Akkhnanth Hears OKPED Clarification on Outdated Textbook Issue, Eyes New Curriculum Overhaul

On May 4, 2025, Deputy Education Minister Akkhnanth Kankittinanth received a factual report from Kesathip Supavanik, director of the Office for Promotion of Lifelong Learning (OKPED), ahead of a scheduled meeting on May 5. The OKPED is addressing the outdated textbook issue that has been in use since 2008 through three major initiatives aimed at creating correct understanding and improving learning system efficiency.

Regarding curriculum matters, OKPED clarified that the 2008 curriculum cannot be immediately discontinued due to administrative constraints regarding student record transfers and enrollment management. Additionally, since lifelong learning allows students to return at any time, over 60% of current learners are still completing the 2008 curriculum. The department is currently compiling lists for comprehensive nationwide transfers to transition to the 2024 curriculum, the latest version. The new curriculum has been piloted in 10 provinces and expanded to 12 additional provinces, totaling 22 provinces for preparation before nationwide implementation. Starting the first semester of the 2027 academic year, no new students will be enrolled in the 2008 curriculum, and the full transition to the 2024 curriculum will take effect.

On textbook quality, OKPED explained that there was previously no textbook quality inspection committee like the Basic Education Commission (BEC). A new oversight system has been implemented with two committees: one overseeing paper quality, cover design, and pricing, and another monitoring content quality. Additionally, responding to the deputy education minister's policy, a third committee will be established to set quality and pricing standards to ensure consistent production standards across all textbook manufacturers.

Regarding learning facilities and equipment, OKPED noted that due to budget limitations and its networking approach with local partners, some areas lack their own buildings and must use facilities from local administrative organizations, municipalities, temples, defunct or merged BEC schools, or rental spaces. In Bangkok, 45 of 50 districts rely on rented spaces, while the remainder use partner facilities. The resolution approach involves surveying nationwide areas to request unused government property from the Treasury Department. OKPED has also written to the Basic Education Commission requesting the use of 153 small schools that have been closed or merged. Future expansion will depend on whether the BEC allows use of its defunct or merged schools and future budget availability.

The Office for Promotion of Lifelong Learning will continue advancing all three areas while reporting progress to the Deputy Education Minister, ensuring that Thailand's education system maintains quality, accessibility, and genuinely supports lifelong learning.