Inclusive Education in Thailand: Legal Framework, Implementation, and Challenges in General Education

Abstract

The article focuses on implementing inclusive education in Thai mainstream education, highlighting the United Nations (UN) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) guidelines on the right to education for children with special needs and referencing the Thai legislative framework. Thailand has a legal framework in place to support inclusive education; however, in practice, significant barriers still exist to its implementation. The aim of this research is to explore the practice of inclusive education in Thai schools and identify the main challenges faced by teachers and educational institutions. The study uses theoretical methods, including literature and document analysis, as well as empirical methods such as a questionnaire survey of teachers and students. The results reveal that teachers with less experience are more likely to support inclusive education, with the majority of teachers citing a lack of resources and professional development. The main findings highlight the need to enhance teachers' professional development, increase public awareness, and improve access to resources to ensure equal educational opportunities for all students, thereby contributing to the development of an inclusive society. The development and implementation of effective policies are crucial in preventing discrimination and fostering positive attitudes towards students with special needs.