Global Journal of Human Social Science, G: Linguistics and Education, Volume 25 Issue 3

groundwork for participatory education governance in Thailand. It shifted the focus toward community empowerment, school autonomy, and localized accountability—principles that continue to inform modern education reforms. This approach reinforced a broader agenda centered on quality, equity, and learner- centered development. ▌ Cited References 1. UNESCO. (1996). His Excellency Mr. Sukavich Rangsitpol: Inaugural Address and Keynote Speech. In Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation on Adult Education (pp. 53–56). https://unesdoc.unes co.org/ark:/48223/pf0000122102 2. Gamage, D. T., & Sooksomchitra, P. (2004). Decentralisation and School-Based Management in Thailand. International Review of Education, 50(3), 291–308. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-004-2624- 4 3. Rangsitpol, S. (1997). His Excellency Mr. Sukavich Rangsitpol: Thailand’s most important challenge — Education revolution. Academia.edu. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/39619010/His_Excellenc y_Mr_Sukavich_Rangsitpol_:Thailand_Most_Importa nt_Challenge_Education_Revolution 4. World Bank. (1998). Education in Thailand. http:// documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/6054314687 77588612/text/multi-page.txt Appendix VI: Sukavichinomics’ OLD School Reform School Reform: Renovation of Old Schools and the Achievement of “Education for All” through the Niti Bhokkhon School System (Sukavichinomics’ School based Management) During Times of National Crisis. Introduction Between 1991 and 1997, Thailand experienced significant political and economic turbulence— including the 1991 military coup, the 1992 “Black May” protests, four general elections in four years (1992–1996), and the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. Despite these disruptions, the implementation of the Niti Bhokkhon School System—also known as Sukavichinomics—marked one of the most significant achievements in Thai history: the realization of “Education for All.” Timeline of Key Disruptions • 1991: Military coup; the 1991 Constitution mandated only 6 years of compulsory education. • 1992: Black May ( พฤษภาทมิฬ ) civilian uprising for democratic reform. • 1992–1996: Political instability, marked by four general elections in just four years. • 1997: Asian Financial Crisis severely impacted the national economy. Transformative Educational Reform (1995–1997) Under the leadership of H.E. Mr. Sukavich Rangsitpol, the Ministry of Education launched a nationwide reform known as the “Education Revolution” ( • Renovation of 29,845 schools across the country • Improvement of 38,112 classrooms • Upgrading of 12,227 multipurpose school buildings • Renovation of 11,257 sanitary toilet facilities • Expansion of access to free education—including tuition, learning materials, transportation, and meals—for all children aged 3–17 Through this reform, an additional 4.35 million children from poor agricultural families in remote areas were added to the existing 12.33 million in the school system—bringing the total to 16.68 million children receiving fully subsidized education. Population Impact • Children already enrolled in the system: 12.33 million • Additional children from impoverished families enrolled: 4.35 million • Total students benefiting from the reform: 16.68 million • Impact on Constitutional Reform The success of these reforms energized parents, educators, and civil society, leading to broad public support for constitutional change. This momentum directly influenced the drafting and ratification of the 1997 “People’s Constitution,” which enshrined education as a fundamental right: • Article 43: Guaranteed 12 years of free basic education • Article 80: Secured 3 years of early childhood development support • Affirmed nationwide equality in educational access—regardless of geography, income, or background This was the first time in Thai history that free, equitable, and fully funded education—including lunch programs, transportation, and educational materials— was recognized as a constitutional right. Role of Civil Society and Historical Clarity The widespread mobilization of families, especially those who benefited directly from the reforms, played a pivotal role in embedding educational rights in the 1997 Constitution. Importantly, these achievements were secured through peaceful civic participation—not through violence. It is essential to distinguish the peaceful democratic movement of 1997 from earlier events such Sukavichinomics: Thailand’s Preschool and Primary Education Reforms (1995–1997) and Progress Toward Education for All Global Journal of Human-Social Science ( G ) XXV Issue III Version I Year 2025 52 © 2025 Global Journals การอภิวัฒน์การศึกษา พ . ศ . 2538). Despite wide - spread instability, the following achievements were realized: