Thailand princess speaks at Connecticut school

Thailand princess speaks at Connecticut school
Associated Press
October 9, 2008
WALLINGFORD, Conn.

The princess of Thailand said Thursday that she does not believe protests in her home country are being staged to benefit the monarchy.

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn talked about the importance of public service Thursday at the Choate Rosemary Hall prep school in Wallingford. She later headed to the University of Pennsylvania for a U.S.-Thailand education discussion.

Her visit came amid the worst political violence in Thailand in more than a decade. Thousands of protesters have camped at the main government office complex to demand electoral changes and an end to corruption in Thai politics.

In violent clashes on Tuesday, 423 protesters and 20 police were injured, Thai medical authorities said. One woman was killed, and a man died in what appeared to be a related incident.

It was the worst political violence since 1992, when the army killed dozens of pro-democracy demonstrators seeking the ouster of a military-backed government.

The princess was asked at a press conference following her talk whether she agreed with protesters who say they are acting on behalf of the monarchy.

"I don't think so," she replied. "They do things for themselves."

Asked why the king has not spoken out, she said, "I don't know because I haven't asked him."

Protest leaders have called for the prosecution of people who insult the monarchy. One leader wants to abandon Thailand's popularly elected Parliament for one in which a majority of members would be appointed.

Some academics have said the plan would enhance the power of the country's military and monarchy at the expense of the poor.

"There are a lot of political problems," the princess said. "I told my friends, colleagues just to do what is their duty."

School system

from early 2001, the Ministry of Education began developing new National Curricula in an endeavour to model the system of education on child centred learning methods. The school structure is divided into four key stages: the first three years in elementary school, Prathom 1 - 3, are for age groups 6 to 8, the second level, Prathom 4 through 6 are for age groups 9 to 11, the third level, Matthayom 1 - 3, is for age groups 12 to 14, and the upper level of schooling consists of Matthayom 4 - 6, for age groups 15 to 17. On the completion of each level, students need to pass the NET (National Educational Test) to graduate. Children are required only to attend six years of elementary school and at least the first three years of high school. Those who graduate from the sixth year of high school are candidates for two decisive tests: O-NET (Ordinary National Educational Test) and A-NET (Advanced National Educational Test). After graduating from high school, many students in the major cities will choose to continue their education to bachelor degree level, and will need to pass the CUAS (Central University Admission System) which contains 50% of O-NET and A-NET results and the other half of the fourth level GPA (Grade Point Average). Many changes and experiments in the university admissions system have taken place since 2001, but by late 2007 a nationwide system had yet to be accepted by the students, the universities, and the government.

Public schools are administered by the government, and the private sector comprises schools run for profit and fee-paying non-profit schools which are often run by charitable organisations. Village and sub-district schools usually provide pre-school kindergarten (anuban) and elementary classes, while in the district towns, schools will serve their areas with comprehensive schools with all the classes from kindergarten to age 14, and separate secondary schools for ages 11 through 17.

Rural schools are generally less well equipped than the schools in the cities and the standard of instruction, particularly for the English language, is much lower, and many high school students will commute 60 - 80 kilometres to schools in the nearest city.

Also, There is a budget crisis in many schools. Like what was just said above, rural schools are granted less money than urban schools due to the increase and population of students in the highly populated urban areas.

Primary and secondary levels

At primary levels, students follow 8 core subjects each semester: Thai language, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Health and Physical Education, Arts and Music, Technology, and Foreign languages. At age 13 (Matthayom 2), students are allowed to choose one or two elective courses. The Science program (Wit-Kanit) and the Mathematics program (Sil-Kamnuan)are among the most popular. Foreign language programs (Sil-Phasa) and the Social Science program (sometimes called the General program) are also offered.

Kindergartens, Preschools

The Australian International School Bangkok
The Australian International School Bangkok caters to children ages 18 months to 7 years old. We follow New South Wales Curriculum from Australia. Centrally located in the heart of Sukhumvit Soi 20 (more)

KiddyKare International Kindergarten, Bangkok
Established in 1994, KiddyKare provides quality care and education through fun classes for children. Nursery (1.5 yrs) to Kindergarten 3 (6 yrs). (more)

Lanna international School Thailand
Lanna international School Thailand serves the Chiang Mai community by providing quality education in a coeducational, nonsectarian, English-medium, international school setting. We encourage applications from students of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Today, Lanna's 257 students in Foundation Years through Year 13 represent twenty-four nationalities and seventeen languages. (more)

Nantawan Trilingual School
Nantawan Trilingual School offers English Program (Bilingual School) following the Ministry of Education curriculum. We would like our students to have more opportunity to develop their English language skills as English is used as a medium of instruction for specific subjects. Located Samutprakarn. From pre-kindergarten to primary school. (more)

Saint John's International School, Bangkok
Saint John's International School, Bangkok, was established in 1991 within Saint John's Group of Schools and University (established in 1961). The school offers British curriculum (iGCSE and A/AS Level) for students aged 2 to 18 and North American (Canadian) curriculum for students aged 16 and over. (more)

Rasami International School, Bangkok
Rasami, a Thai British International School is a school in a class of its own. Rasami follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, enriched with Thai language, music and culture. We offer a programme of education for students from one and a half to 17 years old. Located Phayathai, Bangkok. (more)

RC International School
RC International School and Ruam Rudee Learning and Day Care Centre are convieniently located in the heart of Bangkok. We are one of the fastest growing international schools in Thailand that offers quality education based on the British Curriculum for children ages 18 month to 12 years old. (more)

New International School of Thailand (NIST)
The New International School of Thailand (NIST), situated in the centre of Bangkok, offers a truly international education to culturally diverse students aged 3 – 18. NIST offers the three stages of the International Baccalaureate Organization curriculum (PYP, MYP, IBDP), and is independent of national systems, incorporating the best in education from around the world. (more)

Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok
Shrewsbury International School aims to offer a quality of educational experience to match that currently available at its parent school, Shrewsbury in England.(Kindergarten, 1–12th grade) (more)

Prem Tinsulanonda Center for International Education
Offers rigorous international education for K–12 boarding and day students. All levels are based on the International Baccalaureate. Located in Chiangmai, Thailand. (more)

Kukai Kindergarten, Rama IV Road
For almost 30 years Kukai Kindergarten has given children their first structured taste of schooling here in Thailand. Kukai Kindergarten, hosts a variety of subjects all taught in English and Thai. (more)

Ladybird International Kindergarten
Ladybird provides nursery and toddler children with what they need: a safe place with rich opportunities to use all their senses to explore new things freely. Located off Sukhumvit Soi 39. (more)

Open Gates School, Koh Samui
Open Gates school is an international school on Koh Samui, Thailand. We accept children from the ages of 2-18 and we are now an International Cambridge Examination centre, meaning that students can sit examinations including IGSEs (the Cambridge international equivalent of the English National examinations that English children sit at the age of 16). (more)

Bluewater International School, Koh Samui
With new larger premises, Bluewater International School on Koh Samui can teach up to the ages of 13 and provides a dedicated pre–nursery for children from 18 months old. National curriculum of England and Wales. (more)

Anuban Muang English Curriculum (A.M.E.C.) School
Anuban Muang English Curriculum (A.M.E.C.) school, Chiang Mai, is a special program of the Ministry of Education in which 70% of the eight main subjects is taught in English by native English speaking teachers. A.M.E.C.'s teaching starts at Kindergarten through upper Elementary classes. There are four foreign teachers, 6 Thai teachers and one Chinese teacher. (more)

IPC's 1 to 3
IPC's 1 to 3 is a new nursery branch of the IPC International Kindergarten family. Accepting children 18 months to 3 years old, we offer a well-balanced curriculum based on the child's age and stage of development. Still located on Sukhumvit Soi 31 (only a 5 min drive from our Kindergarten campus). (more)

St. Andrews International Schools, Thailand
The St. Andrews group is a leader in quality British education in Thailand. With schools in Bangkok and one on the Eastern Seaboard, St. Andrews gives you the best choice of where to send your child to school, while promising the same consistent level of quality teaching at each school. (more)

New Sathorn International School
New Sathorn International School (NSIS)is a progressive school, offering a truly global education. State of the art facilities, highly qualified and experienced native English speaking teachers, and a unique learning environment, make it the ideal choice for parents who strive to give their children the greatest gift of all, a bright successful future in our 'ever changing' global village. (more)

Kincaid International School of Bangkok
KIN aims to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. The goal of education at all levels is to provide young people with the values and opportunities that will enable them to develop sound judgment and choose wisely. In other words, the development of the whole child. (more)

St. Mark International School, Bangkok
At St. Mark we believe in an education for our students that enhances their intellectual and creative potential, their personal confidence and social competence, and their physical and emotional well being. We believe in providing the opportunity for students to learn ideal and values based on Biblical teaching, while accepting students from every culture and of every religious faith. The first accredited Australian International School in Thailand. (more)

St George's International School, Bangkok
The mission of St George's is to provide a high quality, Early Years and Primary School programme that combines the best of British education with Thai traditions for expatriate and Thai students living in Bangkok. (more)

Modern International School, Bangkok
Under the blessings and guidance showered abundantly by His Holiness SatGuru Ji our children of Modern International School of Bangkok will make a niche in the education world and will carry out the task and teachings of SatGuru Ji spreading the good will of universal brotherhood, peace, love and harmony. (more)

Keera-Pat International School
At Keera-Pat International School, we believe that learning is a life long process, and the most important part of this process is providing the proper learning environment for children to develop a strong foundation in which they can grow. Keera-Pat International School is an American Curriculum international school. Pre-K-levels 1 and 2 through grade 6. (more)

Kids' Academy
Kids' Academy International Pre–School : Nursery Class Mondays thru Fridays, 08:30 AM–12:00 PM, for children 2–3 years old. Kindergartens 1–2 Mondays thru Fridays, 08:30 AM–02:00. PM for children 3–6 years old. We follow British curriculum. School located Ekamai (Sukhumvit soi 63). (more)


IPC International Kindergarten
IPC International Kindergarten offers a well–balanced curriculum based on the child's age and stage of development. At IPC we follow the British National Curriculum. Located Sukhumvit Soi 31. (more)

Bromsgrove International School Thailand
A pupil educated at BIST will develop high academic standards, strong study skills, self–discipline, independence of thought, moral values, a range of skills and interests, a well–rounded character and a positive outlook for life. (2–14 years) (more)


Chiang Mai International School (CMIS)
CMIS has been meeting the educational needs of the international community in Chiang Mai, Thailand for almost 50 years. CMIS provides education from Kindergarten up to Grade 12, using a largely American based curriculum. (more)


Charter International School, Bangkok
Charter International School is an English medium primary school in Bangkok, which provides an ideal educational opportunity for children to develop and grow in a safe, stimulating atmosphere. (more)


Wells International School, Bangkok
Wells International School is centrally located on nearly three rai (about 1 1/2 hectares) in the Wattana District of Bangkok. Also EverClever International Kindergarten. (more)


Concordian International School
Instruction through Mandarin Chinese and English in equal amounts of time. Located at Thana City km 14, Bangna–Trad highway. Kindergarten to grade 6. International Baccalaureate programme. (more)


Traill International School Bangkok
Centrally located international school catering for students at all levels, including Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary schools using a British based curriculum. (more)


Bangkok Grace International School
BGIS is a private Christian International School committed to providing academic excellence with strong character–building founded on Christian values and principles. (more)

Kevalee International Day School (KIDS)
Kevalee International Day School established in 1995. We offer kindergarten education in a good and enjoyable environment. Our program is to prepare students to continue at RIS, ISB, Bangkok Patana,etc. (more)

The American School of Bangkok
The American School of Bangkok is a private Pre–K to Grade 12 international school offering an American Curriculum with an international perspective. (more)

Topsy Turvy International School, Bangkok
Topsy Turvy International School is situated in Sukhumvit Soi 4, away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok's traffic. (nursery, kindergarten, year 1 and 2 ; British) (more)

Thai Sikh Intenational School, Samut Prakan
The School is a Registered Participating Institution of the University of London. We prepare students for the International GCE "O" Level Examination of the University of London. (more)

Thai-Chinese International School, Bangkok
TCIS is a private, non–profit, day school for boys and girls founded in 1995 for the purpose of providing English language education for the community of Bangkok. (American) (more)

St.Stephen's International School, Bangkok
Our curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum. School evaluated this to provide the most relevant curriculum for students in Early Years (Foundation) and Elementary (Key Stages 1 and 2). (more)


RIS Swiss Section - German language
RIS Swiss Section, a school with a Swiss background, caters to all German–speaking children in the Bangkok area. We offer a well balanced program from kindergarten through high school. (more)

Rose Marie Academy, Nonthaburi
Rose Marie Academy in Nonthaburi offers a Child Center Program for children from one and a half to five years of age and a Primary through Secondary Tutorial Program registered with the Thai Ministry of Education.(American) (more)

Montessori Children's Center Int., Pattaya
From a humble beginning of eight students and three teachers, the Montessori Children's Center today has an enrollment of nearly 80 students. Kindergarten and elementary school. (more)


International School Eastern Seaboard, Chonburi
ISE is an international school with an American Style International Curriculum. The school offers grades Pre–K3 through 12. It is located on the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand. (more)

Harrow International School
Harrow International School, Bangkok is a prestigious, independent, co–educational day and boarding school offering the highest quality of education. (more)


Bangkok Patana School
Our mission is to help students of all nationalities realise their potential by providing a caring environment and a British educational ethos. (more)

The Regent's School
The Regent's School has two campuses; a day and boarding school situated 15 kilometres from Pattaya and a day school located in the Huay Khwang area of Bangkok close to the Ekamai Expressway. (more)