Most students surveyed not proud to be Thai

Conducted among 14,400 students, the survey was designed to investigate their feelings of goodness, happiness and pride in being Thai.

Vocational and university students were not included in the study.

The findings showed only 51 per cent said they were happy studying, while about 63 per cent described themselves as good persons.

"The findings confirm we have embarked on the right track by improving history courses, because such an improvement can help make students more proud about their Thainess," Education Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said yesterday.

He said it was necessary for students to be proud of being Thai and uphold moral principles.

"We must start by inculcating the right attitudes. Children should be compassionate and have a sense of duty regarding public service," Jurin said. "They should be happy about being Thai and living in Thai society."

The Office of the Education Council will now propose a four year project to ensure students in basic education feel happy, good and proud to be Thai.