The research attempts to study King Chulalongkorn’s Philosophy of Education. There are three purposes: 1) to study the historical and developmental background of Thai Philosophy of Education, 2) to explore King Chulalongkorn’s Philosophy of Education and 3) to analyze the concept of King Chulalongkorn’s Philosophy of Education.  

The results revealed that the Thai Philosophy of Education has evolved from ancient times to the present, with the belief that education will help shape the direction of the nation and to develop Thai people to be ready to be a significant force for the development of the country to flourish. The history of Thai education has an interesting background and it divided into the following periods.

According to the Thai education system in ancient times, it has begun between BE. 1781-2411 and its timeline can be revealed as 1) Thai education system in Sukhothai period (BE. 1781-1921) during the period of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great (B.E 1800-1981). 2) Thai education system in Ayutthaya period during B.E 1893-2310, it was considered as the golden age of Thai literary works during the reign of King Borom Trai Lokanath and King Narai the Great during B.E 1893-2310. 3) Thai education system in Thon Buri period was stated in the reign of King Taksin the Great (B.E 2310) to King Rama I – IV, it was the age of restoration of the country such as the restoration of the religion, literature, arts and cultures and education (B.E 2311-2411). In this era, the certain class was not divided; the learners have a free choice to select the subject to study.

Regarding the Thai education system during the reform period (B.E 2412 - 2474), It was during the late Rattanakosin period or the reign of King Rama V-VII, it was a system of education in the reign of King Rama V. In the age, the state of the country was in the imperialism from the West that spread widely in Thailand.

It is well known that education is the foundation of life and national development. King Chulalongkorn the Great has initiated a systematic study of new systems in the country. He established the school in the Grand Palace and expanded to the people of all levels. The concept and methodology of King Chulalongkorn the Great and his speeches in the field of education, illustrated the basic concepts of his educational management in many respects. He was aware of the importance of education and pointed out the need for people to be educated because that result the progress of the country.

The period of King Chulalongkorn the Great, the Thai education system has been established and schools for the general public were found, with the acquisition of Western concepts and technologies to be used in the country and the need for knowledgeable people to work the government. It has the ability to set up schools and focus on developing countries to equalize the civilization. There were translations of foreign literature into Thai language and new educational programs were planned by encouraging them to earn a living other than working the government.

Therefore, the education reform in the reign of King Rama V, it was an education reform to be consistent with the education system of the West. And it made the country to be modernized that was very important at that period.

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