Comparative Education
Online ISSN : 2185-2073
Print ISSN : 0916-6785
ISSN-L : 0916-6785
The Multiple Function of Open Universities in Thailand
Junko SUZUKI
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

1995 Volume 1995 Issue 21 Pages 61-71,212

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Abstract

There is vocal public demand for more space in higher education in Thailand. From long ago, higher education was just for a small number of young people, the so-called ‘Elite’.
But recently, the situation has changed. Many Thai people want to reach for a university-level education. In 1990, the number of students in higher education was about 730, 000. In this figure is included 510, 000 students enrolled in open universities. Therefore, open universities play an important role in higher education in Thailand.
There are two open universities in Thailand. Ramkhamhaeng University was founded in 1971 and has its own campus in Bangkok. Some students attend classes every day, while others come only to register for credits or take course-examinations. Lectures are done for numerous students in a huge-sized class through microphones.
Sukhouthai Thammathirat Open University was founded in 1978 and adopted ‘distance-learning’, which is an educational system through multimedi (for example, printed material, cassette-tapes, and radio or T. V. program on the air). Students basically study at home, and at the end of the school-term, they can take course-examinations at study-centers in each prefecture.
The functions of open universities are the following; The Open University, (OU) as a national university, provides a B. A. degree and professional knowledge. The OU expand educational opportunities for many Thai people who cannot afford school fees for private universities. The OU also equalize the higher-educational opportunity-gap between urban and rural areas. The OU can offer university-level education for both working people and full-time students.
On the other hand, Ramkhamhaeng University absorbs young students who cannot pass national-entrance-examination for normal universities.
Another impact should be noticed. In Sukhouthai Thammathirat Open University, many students want to reach the master-course study level. This may show evidence of the ‘Diploma Disease’ in Thailand.
These two open universities in Thailand have multiple functions, and diffuse higher-educational opportunities to the Thai people.

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© Japan Comparative Education Society
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