Thailand's PISA Scores Lag Global Average Despite Gains

The latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results reveal that Thai students continue to score below the international average in key academic subjects, including science, mathematics, and reading. Despite this, the recent assessment shows noticeable improvements compared to previous years, with science scores showing a particularly significant jump. According to the new data, Thai students averaged 432 points in science, 407 in mathematics, and 392 in reading. In a new category for computational problem-solving, they scored a solid 476 points. While these figures indicate that Thailand still faces an uphill battle to match top-tier global economies in education quality, the modest gains suggest that recent educational adjustments may be starting to yield positive results. Specifically, science scores increased by an impressive 23 points compared to previous results, while mathematics and reading scores each saw a respectable increase of 13 points. However, these overall scores still fall noticeably short of the standard OECD averages, where top-performing nations routinely score well above 480 points. Closing this persistent educational gap remains a significant challenge. The PISA data also highlights demographic trends. Female students outperformed males in science, mathematics, and reading, while male students took the lead in computational problem-solving. This suggests that different learning environments and teaching methods may cater to different student strengths, underscoring the need for tailored educational approaches. A striking finding is the substantial gap between different types of schools. Science-focused specialized schools achieved higher average scores across all subjects than the OECD average, proving Thai students' capability for world-class academic results. However, rural and underfunded schools lack the same resources as these elite institutions, highlighting the challenge of scaling high-quality education nationwide. Despite the overall lower averages, Thailand recorded an impressive 17% of “resilient students”—those who achieve high academic competencies despite severe socio-economic disadvantages, exceeding the OECD average of 12%. This statistic speaks to the determination of young learners and the dedication of their local teachers. Deputy Education Minister Akkharanan Kannakittinan noted that these PISA results directly mirror Thailand’s long-term global competitiveness. As Thailand aims to become a full OECD member, significant improvements in the education sector are essential. Currently, only 59% of Thai students attained science proficiency at Level 2 or above, a benchmark for applying scientific skills in real-world contexts, significantly lower than top economies like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea, where over 85% achieve this level. Moving forward, Thailand's education system must shift from traditional memorization-based learning to a focus on practical, real-world applications of math and science, emphasizing critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills. Heavy investment in rural and public schools, along with enhanced teacher training and modern resources, will be crucial to reduce educational inequality. The success of specialized science schools provides a blueprint, but extending this high-quality education to every province, city, and village is the true test. Ultimately, these PISA scores should be viewed as a wake-up call rather than a total defeat. The recent point gains demonstrate that improvement is possible. With clear policies, better funding, and a focus on critical thinking, Thai students can eventually reach the OECD average. It will require time and sustained effort, but the foundation for a stronger education system is slowly being built. Source: Chiang Rai Times