While many children run around and have fun with their friends, others have to bone up on subjects so they can pass Prathom 1 entrance exams at celebrated schools which their parents hope can guarantee a promising future.
But the idea of sending small kids to tutors instead of letting them play always sparks a debate. Should we encourage them to be study animals, or should we just let them enjoy their childhoods?
In an attempt to help improve the quality of early childhood life, the Independent Committee for Education Reform (ICER) recently pushed a draft bill on early-childhood development, the highlight of which is its proposal to ban school-entrance exams for Prathom 1.
Part of the bill states that in order to accept children into educational institutions and early-childhood-development institutions, the exams can't be arranged except in a case appointed by the Committee Policy Childhood Development headed by the prime minister. However, the draft bill does not suggest exactly how schools should progress in terms of student selection when the entrance exam is no longer allowed.
Last month, the Early Childhood Development Bill was approved by the cabinet and is now being reviewed and probably adjusted by the National Legislative Assembly before it will be implemented as law. After that, schools that breach it are subject to a fine of up to 50,000 baht.
Psychiatrist Suparat Akeassawin, from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Rajanagarindra Institute, supports the bill. As reported by Matichon, she said children aged under seven or eight years old, or in Prathom 1, should not compete in any exams. They should concentrate on learning life skills instead.
The draft bill sounds like a great idea from a psychological perspective, because it means kids can enjoy their lives instead of suffering exams and their stressful consequences. But what are the parents' opinions?
Life spoke to parents of various backgrounds and occupations about what they think of the draft bill and which school-entrance-exam method they prefer.
Panisa Leksukhum, 36
Office employee from Bangkok
Currently, we have many choices [for getting our children into Prathom 1] -- from taking tests, paying additional charges or entering schools which don't require any exams. For me, I don't see any way better than taking exams. Why do we have to eliminate a choice that is good for some people? My son took several exams at many schools before he got into Satit Chula School, but he wasn't stressed. Taking a test was like playing a game for him. I understand that some kids suffer from taking tests -- I saw a mother beat her child because he couldn't do the exam -- but don't blame the exams. Without exams, these kinds of parents will still make their kids suffer from other competitions.
Panuwat Boonyanan, 39
Employee at non-profit organisation from Ranong
It's great to ban the exams. When my son took the entrance exam at a school, I saw two kids who couldn't do the test crying. It was devastating, though my son was fine with the test. I think the kids shouldn't be pressured. But if recruitment is up to school directors, it can cause additional charges. I prefer to draw lots, so everyone can be equal.
Chitiphat Thirawongnathiporn, 40
Business owner from Chanthaburi
In Chanthaburi, there are schools which offer three different programmes -- regular programme, English programme (EP) and science-and-mathematics programme. Children who want to study the EP and science-maths programmes must take an exam. The entrance exam shouldn't be outlawed because these two programmes are intense. Students who study EP and science-maths should have abilities up to the school standard. If not, they will face obstacles. If there is no exam, I prefer a school-zoning protocol [children are able to get into schools near their residence]. Some parents may offer donations as additional charges, so their kids can get into school. Nobody can control this charge.
Nunthiya Thanomboon, 35
Flight attendant from Bangkok
I disagree with outlawing the exam because there will be no standard to measure children's qualifications. But they should change from written, academic-oriented exams to interviewing parents and children. Mater Dei School uses this method and I like it. They ask how parents feel about the ways the school teaches children and ask children how they feel about school activities.
Alongkorn Nanthikiattikul, 43
Business owner from Nakhon Phanom
People in the countryside are not affected by this legislation. Our children can enrol in a school without any competition. But if there is no exam, I think drawing lots must be great because it means equality. If we are fortunate, we get in. Elementary students are still young. I want my kid to spend time with me rather than tutoring. Then when she becomes a Mathayom 1 student, I will concentrate more on her academic skills.
Dollaporn Intrroong, 37
Logistics officer at international NGO from Bangkok
I support the bill, so children won't be pushed to study when they're not ready for academic material. They should spend time developing their physical aspects and learning basic knowledge. Exams mean an elimination process. They are too young to be eliminated. It causes pressure among children and parents, making for a bad atmosphere in our homes. The bill will provide equality to everyone. Low-income families can enrol in the same schools as high-income people. But it is possible for schools to ask for additional charges because some parents want their children to enter celebrated schools.
Rutchada Puttamon, 40
Government officer from Bangkok
I agree with the idea of prohibiting written exams. They should select students by considering their ideas and development. Written tests put children under pressure and do not allow us to know their true personalities and progress. I don't think outlawing exams will create additional charges because schools will ask parents how much we can donate anyway, and some schools don't ask much.
Saowaluk Luengngamkham, 35
Office employee from Bangkok
I agree with the legislation. Last year, I had to take my son to a tutor. I felt guilty and stressed-out about it. Though he didn't feel stressful, he missed the chance to spend time on his own activities and with his friends. Children should not have to concentrate on academic activities. I prefer school zoning and drawing lots.
