Civic/citizenship learning and the challenges for democracy in Thailand

Abstract

After nearly a decade of political polarization and deepening conflicts, Thailand is embarking on yet another cycle of reform and democratization project. While one of the proposed reform and democratizing strategies is to strengthen civic education curriculum and value inculcation, there has been a limited critical understanding on how schools—as important sites for political and cultural socialization—play a role in contributing toward or hindering the construction of citizens for a democracy. This qualitative study examines citizenship learning that takes place through school routines, system, and structure in a ‘democratic’ and an alternative Thai school and the implications for the development of democratic citizens. Findings suggest that civic/citizenship education embedded in everyday’s school practices follows a traditional conception of good citizen and thus provides limited condition for participatory and thoughtful citizenship.