Academics Support ONEC Phasing Out Outdated 2008 Curriculum Textbooks, Recommend Overhauling with Modern Curriculum

Education scholar Somphong Jitradap revealed his support for the Information released by the People's Party representatives regarding the outdated curriculum of the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education (ONECE). Deputy Education Minister Akranant Kanakittinand recently instructed ONECE Director Kesatip Suphawanit to verify these facts. Somphong stated he agrees with the information, noting that ONECE currently uses the Basic Education Core Curriculum, applied nationwide across all schools and educational systems since 2001 with the latest revision in 2008. This has resulted in an outdated curriculum misaligned with current conditions and impractical for daily life, as it primarily measures student memory for examinations and certificates.

"ONECE's primary duty is managing non-formal and informal education, promoting lifelong learning, and developing professional skills for people of all ages with quality, equal, and flexible learning for upskilling and reskilling," Somphong explained. "However, ONECE's current curriculum relies too heavily on formal education systems, with outdated textbooks preventing learners from applying knowledge to their careers."

Somphong views this information disclosure as an important opportunity for ONECE to revise its curriculum and textbooks. He recommends using the 2008 curriculum as only a 20 percent foundation, with the remaining 80 percent designed new, prioritizing learner benefits to reach more students—not just for certificate acquisition.

"I believe Director Kesatip, being a modern academic of the new generation, can successfully resolve this. ONECE's strength lies in its 2566 Learning Promotion Act, which is more contemporary than the National Education Act," he concluded. "However, if textbooks remain outdated, educational development may not align with current legislation."