Tichila Kharo 65123020025

If You Could Change One Problem of Education in Your Country,

What Would It Be?

Hello, distinguished guests and fellow delegates, my name is Tichila Kharo, or you may
call me Aom. I’m 20 years old and currently a second-year student majoring in English at Valaya
Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage. I belong to the Faculty of Humanities
and Social Sciences. I come from Thailand and live in a small province called Pathum Thani.
Well, everyone, if I could change one problem of education in my country, it would be unequal
budget allocation.
Brace yourselves for a journey into the heart of a critical issue that stands as a colossal
barrier to Thailand's vibrant future. Today, we're not just talking about a problem; we are
addressing a national emergency in our education system – the very bedrock of our nation's
progress and prosperity. "Have you ever thought why Thai education trails behind its ASEAN
counterparts and the Western world? If not, allow me to shed light on the matter. Despite
Thailand being the world's second-highest spender on education in 2018, it has invested over 800
billion baht or around 2.3 billion dollars in education, but there are concerns about the
effectiveness of spending, reflected in various exam scores and educational inequality. Our
country grapples with significant issues arising from substantial investment in education. We face
challenges like inequality in education quality, limited access to resources, learning environment,
and teaching quality. These are the results of unequal budget allocation. Let me elaborate on how
these four hurdles substantially impede our education system, leaving us lagging far behind other
countries.
Visualize this: unequal budget allocation influences inequality in education quality. How?
Schools in rural areas receive less funding than their urban counterparts. A situation that should
not happen in Thailand became evident last year. While a teacher was teaching and students were
studying, the wooden floor in the classroom collapsed, causing students to fall and get hurt. In
contrast, schools with higher budgets ensure safety through sturdy construction. This inequality
should not persist. We don’t want our kids to study and worry about their safety, right?
It is not only inequality in education quality that is affected. Limited access to resources is
also one of the effects. Schools with lower budgets have fewer opportunities to access
educational resources, such as textbooks and learning equipment. Sufficient and high-quality
equipment and materials ensure that the students receive equal information and knowledge.
Access to technology, such as computers and the internet, enhances learning opportunities and
facilitates access to information. Now, imagine schools where even the simplest tools for learning
seem like a luxury. This happens in many small schools in Thailand, and it's not just about being
comfortable; it’s a significant gap in our education system, an unfair situation for the limitless
potential of our young students.
In addition to the existing disparities in education quality and limited access, the learning
environment plays a crucial role for Thai students. Western countries and some ASEAN nations
serve as examples, providing students with excellent surroundings, including swimming pools
and various sports facilities. These amenities bring numerous benefits, fostering both health and
social skills development among students. Moreover, they contribute to create a diverse and
enjoyable learning atmosphere. On the other hand, in Thailand, many schools with lower budgets
face a problem due to unequal budget allocation. While it might appear to be a minor issue, the
lack of sports facilities becomes a significant problem for these schools. In such situations,
students might end up engaging in activities that are not good for their health, such as using
drugs. This discrepancy in access to sports facilities becomes a more significant concern because
it influences the choices and opportunities available to students based on the resources of their
schools.
Unequal budget allocation not only impacts education quality, limited access to resources,
and learning environment but also extends to teaching quality. Some schools find themselves in a
situation where one teacher is responsible for teaching almost every subject due to limited
options not out of choice, this challenge is more prevalent in smaller schools. This circumstance
adversely affects the quality of education. It is imperative for our country to focus on our
educators, the unsung heroes. In Thailand, increasing the number of teachers poses a significant
challenge, and nurturing educators is crucial for the nation's growth. Neglecting this essential
investment means depriving our children of the top-tier education they truly deserve.
As a student aiming to tackle educational problems, I will recommend everyone who
facing problems start by talking to their friends, teachers, and parents about the issues in their
school. Advocate for fair funding, ensuring each school gets what it needs for good teachers, safe
buildings, and useful tools. Collaborate with their community to decide priorities for
improvement and keep an eye on how the school spends its money. Support programs that help
teachers grow and enhance their skills. Encourage the use of technology for learning, making
resources accessible to everyone. Advocate for safe and enjoyable school buildings. Share their
thoughts on social media or through clubs to raise awareness. Engage with leaders, urging them
to create fair rules for all schools. Join hands with groups and organizations focused on education
to amplify their impact. Moreover, I would tell people who are facing problems to remember, that
their voice matters, and by working together, they can contribute to positive changes in education
for everyone.
All these problems stem from unequal budget allocation. In my perspective, every Thai
school should receive equal funding because investing in education is an investment in human
resources that can grow and generate significant returns. I believe no parents want their children
to face educational disparities. Every Thai child should have equal access to education, and this is
what I aim to change through my advocacy for education.
Thank you for taking your time to listen to me.