The Thai Education system consists of 12 year free basic education: 6 years of “Prathom” (primary education, P1 to P6) and 6 years of “Mattayom” (secondary education, M1 to M6). Enrolment in the basic education system begins at the age of 6.
The current Thai Education system stems from the reforms set by the 1999 National Education Act which implemented new organisational structures, promoted the decentralisation of administration and called for innovative learner-centred teaching practices. The Thai education system (Figure 1) provides 9 years of compulsory education, with 12 years of free basic education guaranteed by the Constitution.