Privatized Higher Education in Thailand

Abstract

Abstract Over the last few decades, the Thai government has been pushing for privatization of public higher education institutions along with promotion of private higher education sector. This has significantly increased student enrollment and expanded the country’s higher education system but Thailand has started facing major challenges including a declining population, stagnating enrollment, and slow economic growth. Most higher education institutions are struggling with academic quality and profitability and hardly claim international academic recognition. This chapter approaches the private–public dynamics of Thai higher education and analyzes the ongoing issues of access, quality control, and finance in relation to the government’s policy initiatives on privatization.