Akkharanat has ordered a revamp of the S.Kor. curriculum, scrapping the outdated 2008 materials, with the goal of implementing the new curriculum in all provinces by 2027. He remains unfazed by opposition MPs from the People’s Party pressing questions in parliament and expressed gratitude for their oversight, confident that all issues will be clearly addressed and resolved.
At 09:20 on 5 May 2026, Akkharanat Kanokitinan, Deputy Minister of Education, spoke about the progress in reviewing the Department of Learning Promotion (S.Kor.) following revelations by opposition MPs from the People’s Party about the curriculum’s outdated content. He stated that he has instructed Ms. Ketsadip Supavanich, Director-General of S.Kor., to explain why the old curriculum is still in use and to establish a panel of experts to address these issues.
Regarding the outdated S.Kor. curriculum, Akkharanat said there are currently two versions: the 2008 curriculum and the 2024 curriculum, which has been piloted in 12 provinces. During a recent visit to Chaiyaphum province, it was found that the 2008 curriculum was still in use, and its content is not modern, being quite antiquated as many topics have significantly changed.
"Today we must keep up with the world and current circumstances, as the curriculum should progress and be improved. More than 800,000 students enroll annually in S.Kor. education. If we continue with a curriculum lacking quality and standards, it will become problematic. If we do not address this now, it will lead to prolonged issues in the future," he said.
Asked how long it will take to develop the new S.Kor. curriculum, Akkharanat explained that it is a continuous curriculum. On 9 and 10 May, students currently following the old curriculum will be transitioned to the new 2024 curriculum. He expects that by the first semester of 2027, the new curriculum will be fully implemented nationwide.
Akkharanat added that following discussions with the S.Kor. Director-General, committees have been established to approve textbooks and to set quality standards for materials. There will be no more negligence. These two committees will work long-term. S.Kor. must continue its efforts since education never ends. As the overseeing minister, he wants the curriculum to be continuously updated to keep pace with the times. This clear policy is not subject to change with government transitions. The aim is to establish education standards for S.Kor., including thorough quality checks on curricula and textbooks.
On cooperation between the minister and the S.Kor. Director-General, Akkharanat said the Director-General is diligent and quick in work. They share similar policies, such as working with vulnerable groups through the Department of Corrections. Personally, he and the Director-General work well together as cooperation requires constant communication and mutual respect. As the overseer, he will not interfere with the Director-General’s work, allowing autonomy and respecting her professional role.
When asked about the opposition People’s Party MPs preparing to submit parliamentary questions or motions for official responses in the Royal Gazette, Akkharanat thanked them, saying he has prioritized this issue from the start. He believes that cooperation between the opposition and government this term will be productive. He assured that he has clear answers for the People’s Party because education is a vital national matter.
Asked if he was concerned that the People’s Party’s criticism might risk his ministerial position, Akkharanat laughed and said he will do his best. "If we do well today, Thailand will improve over the next 10 years. Some may not be satisfied now, but I will give my all."