Christian and Education in Thailand

Abstract

           The objective of this documentary research was to study and analyze the influences of the Education provided by missionaries and the Church of Christ in Thailand Foundation on human resource development in Thai society. The researchers conducted extensive study of documents, books, annual reports, research reports, and in-depth interview of directors, and managers of 25 schools and presidents of two universities under the Church of Christ in Thailand. The findings of this research study revealed that the provision of education in Thailand in Ratlanakosin era which was the period of time before the protestant missionary presence in Thailand. There had been the provision of Non-formal education and Informal education. The monarchy played most important role in providingthese education mostly for the royal families and his staff. The religion institute as well as family also played role in the provision of informal education in conservative pattern. There had been missionaries from the west initiated modern education in Thailand during Ratlanakosin era.

           During 1828-1934 A.D., the Protestant missionaries arrived Thailand for evangelical purposes in 1828 A.D. in the reign of King Rama III. The American Baptist missionary initiated the establishment of a school for Chinese who lived in Thailand in 1838 A.D. and a school for Thai people in general in 1839 A.D.. The American Presbyterian Mission Board founded the school providing formal education in Bangkok in 1852 A.D. which later on became Bangkok Christian College.

           During 1984-1957 A.D., which was the period of the transition of responsibilities from the American Mission Board to the Church of Christ in Thailand Foundation (CCTF) established in 1937. But during the Second World War from 1941 to 1945 A.D. the mission schools were closed temporarily. After the World War since 1946 to 1957 A.D. American missionaries returned to Thailand to restore and rebuild the schools and the expansion of new schools also were encouraged and supported by the missionary groups. In 1957 A.D. the American Presbyterian Boards in Thailand eventually was dissolved. The school missions and properties were transferred to CCTF. The office of the educational mission was founded in order to coordinate all schools under CCTF.   

           During 1957 A.D., up to the present. CCTF was responsible for all mission schools in Thailand. Two universities were established which were Payap University in 1973 and Christian University of  Thailand in 1983. The provisions of education in this period by CCTFwere all corresponded with the National Social and Economic Development Plan since 1961 to now. Up to the Present 25 secondary schools, 2 international schools and 2 universities under CCTF have been improved in quality and standard due to the Education Act 2542 B.E. Revised in 2546 B.E. The improvement in standards and qualities for the approval of quality assessment by the Office of National Education Standard and Quality Assurances (ONESQA) have been emphasized. The common identity of the education provision by schools and universities under CCTF were the ethical cultivation based on Christian beliefs. All schools and universities provide moral and quality education to create new opportunities for Thai youths to learn the truth of life on the “Words” of Jesus Christ.