As of 2025, the latest results from the PISA 2022 assessment, conducted by the OECD, are in focus. Around 7,800 Thai students aged 15 from 257 schools across the country participated. The results show modest progress but a significant gap compared to the OECD average.
Thailand’s PISA 2022 Scores
Average scores for Thai students:
- Reading: 441 points
- Mathematics: 427 points
- Science: 444 points
This is higher than in 2009 (421, 419, 425), but lower than in 2018 (471, 458, 470), indicating a regressive trend in recent years.
Global ranking (out of 81 countries):
- Reading: 48th
- Math: 50th
- Science: 47th
Gender Differences
As in previous years, girls outperformed boys in all subjects:
- Reading: +28 points for girls
- Science: +11 points
- Math: slight male advantage
This aligns with global trends but highlights the need to support boys in literacy.
Comparison with Leaders
OECD average scores:
- Reading: 487
- Math: 489
- Science: 485
Top performers:
- Singapore: 542 (reading), 575 (math), 561 (science)
- Japan and China (provinces): 520–580 points
- Vietnam (non-OECD, but participated): 508, 511, 528 — in 2012–2015; no recent data
Thailand still faces a 40–60 point gap in core subjects.
Why Scores Declined?
According to OBEC and the World Bank, key reasons:
- Pandemic impact: prolonged remote learning, especially in rural areas
- Educational inequality (urban vs. rural)
- Shortage of qualified STEM teachers
- Outdated teaching methods focused on rote memorization
Ministry of Education Response
Thailand’s Education Minister in 2025, Trietpirom Soranonda (not Chaturon Chaisang, who served earlier), stated that PISA 2022 results will guide a national education reform.
Key priorities:
- Shift to competency-based learning over memorization
- Digital transformation and critical thinking training
- Support for rural schools via scholarships and online platforms
- Enhancing the teaching profession’s status
Misconceptions in Original Text
Clarifications:
- ✅ PISA is not a university entrance exam, but an OECD international assessment every 3 years.
- ❌ Students did not take PISA at Srinakharinwirot University — it’s a public university, not a testing center.
- ❌ References to “this September” and “new results” are inaccurate. Latest data is from 2022, published December 2023.
- ❌ Linking PISA to Pattaya rental housing is a logical fallacy. Unrelated topics.
Relevance in 2025
As of 2025, Thailand is preparing for PISA 2025. Efforts include:
- Pilot programs in active learning at 100 schools
- Developing a national digital learning platform
- Collaboration with Singapore and Finland on pedagogy
Conclusion
While PISA 2022 results show Thailand’s education system lags behind global standards, they also reveal areas for growth. In 2025, the country stands at a crossroads: continue on current path or pursue deep reform. As the minister said: “PISA is not a verdict, but a mirror.” And in that mirror, Thailand sees that its children are capable of more.
Sources:
— OECD: «PISA 2022 Results (Volume I)»
— OBEC (Office of the Basic Education Commission): «Thailand’s PISA 2022 National Report»
— World Bank: «Thailand Education Monitor 2024»
— Bangkok Post: «Thai Students Fall Behind in Global Skills Test», December 2023
— The Nation: «Can Thailand Fix Its Education System in Time for PISA 2025?»
Back to list
