Education Ministry Launches Competency-Based Curriculum Pilot
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On October 22, 2026, Deputy Education Minister Akkanand Kanchanakitthanont, assigned by Education Minister Praseart Chantharathong, answered questions from MP Thirawat Jiratrachoo of the Pheu Thai Party regarding the government's commitment to overhauling the basic education core curriculum. In the House of Representatives, Akkanand explained that the reform transitions from the 2008 Basic Education Core Curriculum, which emphasized learning standards, to a Competency-Based Education (CBE) model that prioritizes applying knowledge and skills in real-life situations through active learning. A multi-sector working group is driving the effort.
In the 2025 academic year, the pilot began at two levels: the 2025 Early Childhood Curriculum for children aged 3–6, and lower primary (Grades 1–3). In 2026, it expanded to three levels, adding upper primary (Grades 4–6) across 4,221 schools. The 2027 plan aims to cover all five levels, including lower and upper secondary, with curriculum frameworks currently under development.
Akkanand noted that a timeline for mandatory nationwide adoption has not been finalized; outcomes must be assessed throughout the 2025–2027 period before deciding next steps. Learning progressions are also being developed to ensure continuity across grade levels.
On teacher support, the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) is developing tools to reduce the workload of converting assessment results and promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for designing school curricula, lesson plans, and assessment instruments. Participating schools can also manage per-capita subsidies for learning materials flexibly.
"Initial feedback indicates a shift from rote memorization to hands-on practice; students are happier and more expressive. Grade 1 reading assessment scores in pilot schools averaged 82.10, above the national average of 78.57. OBEC plans a first evaluation aligned with curriculum goals in the second semester of the 2026 academic year," Akkanand said.
