Strategies for developing a sustainable learning society: An analysis of lifelong learning in Thailand

Abstract

Today's world may be characterised as the dawn of the new millennium of the learning society, where knowledge is considered as a country's most valued asset and primary source of power. In the increasingly intense competition among international communities, Thailand has been respected for advancing the concept of transforming communities, cities and regions into learning societies engaged in a sustainable development strategy which promotes the continual learning of individuals-the smallest unit of society. The learning society approach aims to balance economic, social, natural and environmental aspects and resources of society; and is transforming the Thai people into knowledge citizens and knowledge workers. The underlying legislation carries stipulations concerning lifelong learning, educational enhancement and global competitiveness aimed towards developing appropriate manpower to move the society towards sustainable happiness as compared and contrasted with maintaining the ''status quo''. This article portrays the current situation of lifelong learning and education in Thailand; analyses and synthesises five best-practice learning society case studies and proposes guidelines for developing a sustainable learning society.

Impact of Application of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy on the Well‐Being of Thai Population: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Relevant Studies

“…The SEP has been adopted in Thailand as a core principle of the National Economic and Social Development Plan since 2002 (Charungkaittikul & Henschke, 2014). In addition, the current constitution of Thailand has integrated SEP and sustainable development as its integral goals.…”

Examination of the Relationship Between Pre-service Teachers' Attitudes Towards Learning and Sustainable Learning Levels

“…Although studies on sustainable learning is limited, results of similar studies (Charungkaittikul & Henschke, 2014;Graham, Berman & Bellert, 2015) support this finding. It is promising that pre-service teachers have high sustainable learning scores, because teachers are members of the professional group that trains future generations of societies, and as professionals who do the job of teaching, their constant effort to learn is valuable in terms of being able to constantly update their knowledge.…”

Program Proposals of Pre-Service Teachers for the Lifelong Learning Needs of the Society

“…Lifelong learning appears to be necessary to find, maintain and thrive in a job. It also contributes to employees' coping with unemployment and early retirement, and accessing and re-accessing job opportunities (Charungkaittikul, & Henschke, 2014). In this context, the shift of human consciousness and discourse from "learning" to "lifelong learning" means a change in the basic nature of learning (Su, 2015).…”

“…In addition, lifelong learning can play an important role in reducing widespread tensions between economic competitiveness policies and social cohesion policies (Green, 2011). In the 21st century, global demands for economic competitiveness and social cohesion, the application of information technologies for interactive communication and related learning, and a growing awareness of the need for lifelong learning strategies come together to ensure sustainable economic and societal development (Charungkaittikul, & Henschke, 2014). For lifelong learning to contribute to global goals, there needs to be a strong re-emphasis on the role that education can play in raising informed and active citizens who can address all the social, economic and ecological changes they face (Tucket, 2013).…”