Sirakul Suwinthawong. Applicability of international and national laws on primary education in Thailand : a case study of Lahu children in Lampang . Master's Degree(Human Rights). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2009.
Applicability of international and national laws on primary education in Thailand : a case study of Lahu children in Lampang
Abstract:
Hill tribes are people who migrated to Thailand during the last century
and now have lived mainly in mountainous areas of western and northern regions of
Thailand. The Thailand Ministry of Interiors Department of Provincial
Administration recognizes nine different highland indigenous and tribal groups or
Chao Khao, and this includes the Lahu or Muser, which is the focus group of this
study. The purpose of this research is to examine quality of education and educational
services for Lahu children in Ban Huaywad primary school in Lampang province.
Four elements associated with the governments responsibilities recognized in the
international conventions are examined. Availability, accessibility, acceptability, and
adaptability of education are used to examine the issue of compliance to human rights.
Documentary research, in-depth interviews, and participant observation
were used in this research. In-depth interviews were conducted with four teachers
from Ban Huaywad school, parents, the village headman, and staff from Social
Development Center Unit 51 in Jaehom office and in Ban Huaywad village office.
Primary education in Ban Huaywad has strengths such as accessibility
and adaptability for students. However, these strengths cannot be fully implemented
due to limitations such as lack of financial resources, lack of teachers capacity and
experience, and lack of teaching-learning facilities. There is also a weakness in
availability which does not comply with the right to education. It fails to meet the
minimum standards of quality of teachers and teaching-learning facilities, which are
important factors for maintaining quality in education. Thus, this research suggests
that since primary education in Ban Huaywad fails to ensure minimum standards in
education, it does not comply with the right to education.