Over 360,000 Students Rejoin Schools Under Nationwide Campaign

Thailand’s Education Ministry is intensifying efforts to tackle school dropouts, with more than 360,000 students already back in classrooms under the Thailand Zero Dropout policy. The initiative aims to reintegrate out-of-school children by next year.

A ministry survey revealed that 1,025,514 children aged 3–18 dropped out of school in 2024. Among them, 767,304 were Thai nationals, while the rest were foreign children. So far, 365,231 Thai students, or 47.6%, have resumed schooling. For foreign children, 31,816, or 12.32%, have returned.

Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob said the initiative supports education equality as part of the Thai Zero Dropout campaign. He highlighted the introduction of formal, non-formal, and flexible education programmes to address individual needs and abilities, ensuring dropouts can resume learning.

The minister said the government is committed to providing compulsory education for all Thai children.

Niyom Phaisopha, director of the basic education policy and planning bureau at the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec), noted that some schools operate under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration or are privately managed.

He added that students unable to return to regular classrooms can access learning at home through tailored curricula. Obec plans to deliver education directly to these children with adaptable learning options.