The government is accelerating the enhancement of "safety and education quality" for the 2026 school opening. The Ministry of Education is partnering with 18 agencies to push forward a Quick Win initiative to build safe schools alongside efforts to reduce living costs and increase subsidies to assist parents nationwide.
On 7 May 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertwivattana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, the government is advancing a comprehensive upgrade of Thailand's education system. This includes emphasizing both "learning quality" and "student safety," while also addressing parents' living costs during the school opening through systematic inter-agency cooperation.
The Deputy Spokesperson explained that schools under the Office of the Basic Education Commission nationwide mostly begin the term on 18 May 2026, with some opening gradually on 14–15 May. Currently, all schools and educational service areas are intensively inspecting and improving readiness in all aspects, including electrical systems, school buildings, learning materials, playgrounds, and teacher residences, to ensure maximum safety and foster a learning environment conducive to the happy development of Thai children.
Regarding policy implementation, the government has assigned the Ministry of Education to hold a workshop to drive five key educational missions. The approach emphasizes “All for Education,” welcoming input from teachers, educational personnel, and all sectors to collaboratively design an education system that addresses local needs, reduces central mandates, and increases genuine public participation.
Additionally, the government is urgently advancing proactive measures on "school safety" as a Quick Win agenda. On 15 May 2026, the Ministry of Education will host a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on "Establishing a Student Safety System" with 18 key agencies, including the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Interior, Royal Thai Police, and social agencies, to integrate a comprehensive system for student care, prevention, and support.
The Deputy Spokesperson clarified assistance to reduce parental burdens, noting that the government continues relief efforts through the Ministry of Commerce's "Back To School 2026" program. This initiative offers discounts of up to 86% on over 1,000 educational products and services from 30 April to 31 May 2026, covering school uniforms, learning materials, IT products, and additional services via department stores, Blue Flag shops, and online platforms nationwide. It is expected to reduce public expenses by no less than 300 million baht.
Simultaneously, the Cabinet has resolved to continuously increase per-student subsidies in the 2026 fiscal year, covering the second semester of 2025 and the first semester of 2026. The increments apply to all grade levels and expense categories, such as 2,040 baht per student per year for pre-primary education, 2,280 baht for primary, 4,200 baht for lower secondary, and 4,560 baht for upper secondary. Support also includes funding for learning materials, student uniforms, and additional funds for small schools to alleviate parental burdens and promote equitable education quality.
“What parents and students will receive is schools that are increasingly prepared and safe, alongside reduced expenses during the school opening and ongoing government support. Thai children will be able to learn confidently, happily, and access educational opportunities equitably, which is a vital foundation for the country's long-term development,” said Ms. Lalida.