ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION IN THAILAND AND EDUCATION IN THE BUDDHA'S ERA

Abstract

This book, written and published by Associate Professor Dr. Wiratep Patumcharoenwattana in 2021, talks about alternative education, which is an education that has a great impact on youth and Thai people because formal education is compulsory education. According to the Thai Education Act of 1999, Section 15, there are 3 forms of education: formal education, non-formal education, and informal education. Section 12 mentions alternative education that learners can choose to study at their own leisure. However, at present, most education focuses on students, especially children and youth, studying according to the forms that the ministry has specified for education, even though there are alternative subjects that cannot be chosen by themselves, including higher education, such as diplomas. The current education does not necessarily focus on degrees or certificates, but focuses on creating careers and creating quality human resources for Thailand. In terms of regulating formal or non-formal education, all of these can lead to good development. The critics therefore agree with the author of the book Alternative Education that is consistent with education in the Buddhist era, which is important no matter what the field is. But the important point is to focus on allowing learners to develop themselves and lead to living in society. Able to develop practices that allow one to live without being a burden to others and effectively benefit society.