The science and technology curriculum for primary, secondary, and tertiary education in
Thailand outlines what students have to know and be able to do in science, and provides teaching
programs and assessment policies. One implication to arise from the examination of these
documents is that science education must aim to enhance students’ capability and interest in
science, and a desire to search for knowledge so that they can learn continually at any time
and any place throughout their lives (Office of the National Education Commission [ONEC],
2003). According to the vision, there are some ways of developing scientific literacy that
should be addressed. For example, school science curricula and teaching and learning attempt
to organize science learning that emphasizes the relationship between science, technology and
society - based on a Thai context. This science, technology, and society (STS) approach, also
draws upon local wisdom, specifically the King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s philosophy of sufficiency
economy, moral infusion and a Buddhism-based way of life. This paper reviews this
unique interpretation of the term scientific literacy in a Thai context, and examines’ their implications
for science education in Thailand.