NIDA Poll reveals that the public wants the Minister of Education to urgently push for truly free education with no hidden fees, and views quality education as one where students graduate and secure jobs in their respective fields.
On 17 May 2026, the NIDA Poll Center of the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), in collaboration with the Thailand Education Partnership (TEP), released survey results titled "Hopes for the 2026 School Year: Voices to the Minister of Education on Addressing Inequality." The survey was conducted from 30 April to 5 May 2026 among 1,310 respondents aged 18 and over, representing all regions, education levels, occupations, and incomes nationwide. The sampling used probability sampling from NIDA Poll’s Master Sample database with multi-stage sampling and data collected via telephone interviews, with a margin of error not exceeding 0.05 at a 97% confidence level.
The survey asked about the public’s confidence in the Thai education system. Specifically, whether it can provide a good and stable future for their children, it found that
41.45% said they were somewhat confident.
Next, 29.77% said they were not very confident.
17.25% said they were very confident (for example, confident that current schools take good care of and teach children well).
And 11.53% said they were not confident at all (for example, relying mostly on private tutoring or struggling on their own).
Regarding opinions on whether current schools and teaching methods can develop Thai children to think critically, work effectively, and live well in the modern world, it was found that
46.41% said somewhat good.
33.89% said not very good (for example, focusing mainly on rote memorization without practical application in work).
10.99% said very good (for example, students graduate ready to work and live independently).
8.40% said not at all (for example, following the system without meeting the needs of the modern world).
0.31% said they did not know, were unsure, or uninterested.
Regarding issues the government should urgently address to reduce burdens on parents and children, the findings were
35.04% identified inequality in quality (local schools are not as good as well-known urban schools).
24.50% said children study hard but cannot apply knowledge in daily life.
23.59% cited safety and mental health issues in schools (such as bullying, drugs, and stress).
15.95% pointed to excessive teacher workload, leaving little time to teach or care for students properly.
0.69% did not know, were unsure, or uninterested.
0.23% mentioned other issues including truly free education without educational expenses.
Regarding what the public wants the Minister of Education to urgently implement within one year, the findings showed
35.42% said education must be truly free with no hidden costs.
13.51% called for cancellation of redundant projects to reduce teachers’ paperwork.
12.29% wanted curriculum adjustment to competency-based learning to prepare children for a technology-driven world.
9.08% requested budget allocation according to local needs, especially for small and remote schools.
8.70% suggested establishing a Human Capital Superboard to link education with labor market needs, ensuring children have jobs and income.
7.79% proposed assessing students based on outcomes rather than grades.
4.58% supported the “One District One Education” (ODOS) scholarship truly reaching every district.
4.20% aimed for zero school dropouts nationwide (Thailand Zero Dropout).
1.91% recommended reducing teachers' responsibility for school lunch preparation by establishing local central kitchens and 24-hour protection centers for children’s and teachers’ rights equally.
0.61% did not know, were unsure, or uninterested.
Finally, when asked about public feelings toward Thai education development as promised by the government and clear signs of real improvement, the results indicated
28.78% said Thai children graduate with relevant jobs, no unemployment, and appropriate salaries.
16.64% said Thai children can communicate in English and compete with foreign peers.
14.81% said teachers have full time to teach without paperwork or other burdens.
14.35% said children are happy at school without stress or depression from studies.
14.05% said parents no longer need to borrow money or pay high fees for children to attend "prestigious schools."
6.10% said reports of violence, teacher abuse, or school problems have noticeably decreased.
2.98% mentioned other points, including lack of clear indicators to prove genuine educational development.
2.29% did not know, were unsure, or uninterested.
Regarding general characteristics of the sample, 8.55% lived in Bangkok, 18.70% in the Central region, 17.79% in the North, 33.28% in the Northeast, 13.82% in the South, and 7.86% in the East. The sample was 47.94% male and 52.06% female.
Age distribution was 12.13% aged 18–25, 17.79% aged 26–35, 17.94% aged 36–45, 26.34% aged 46–59, and 25.80% aged 60 and over. Religious affiliation was 96.34% Buddhist, 2.82% Muslim, and 0.84% Christian or other religions.
Marital status included 35.42% single, 61.76% married, and 2.82% widowed, divorced, or separated. Education levels were 0.30% no education, 12.52% elementary, 30.92% secondary or equivalent, 10.46% diploma or equivalent, 38.01% bachelor's degree or equivalent, and 7.79% higher than bachelor's degree.
Occupations were 14.05% government employees/state enterprise staff, 16.87% private employees, 22.90% business owners/self-employed, 7.33% farmers/fishers, 13.59% general laborers, 18.39% homemakers/retired/unemployed, and 6.87% students. Income distribution was 18.63% no income, 2.90% under 5,000 baht/month, 11.76% 5,001–10,000 baht, 33.28% 10,001–20,000 baht, 14.43% 20,001–30,000 baht, 5.95% 30,001–40,000 baht, 3.82% 40,001–50,000 baht, 1.91% 50,001–60,000 baht, 0.30% 60,001–70,000 baht and 70,001–80,000 baht equally, 0.99% over 80,001 baht, and 5.73% did not specify income.