I read and sum up that many countries now looking at "pre-school education" (3-6 year old) as the foundation of their human resource development (for the future of their countries). Because children can learn very quickly. (They can learn 2nd/3rd language in a year; they can learn to read, write and paint, and draw relationships and recognize patterns; they can learn responsibilities and leadership, they can learn to work together - not as a team but as independent free agents cooperating,...) The skills developed while children are young can shape their lives, influence what they do when they become adults, and in turn shape the countries they live. (Many countries would not hesitate to take in 'quality' immigrants.)

Thailand government's pledge of "12 years of free education" (from primary to high schools) looks very much like "mending lost opportunity". Free (really free) 4-5 years of training for 3-7 years in languages and life skills would be a far better investment.

Schools are there to keep lots of xhildren out of the streets. Universities can serve people who look for specific training for their chosen career path. For the rest, vocational training (or 'learning crafts and trades') would be more valuable for earning a living.

2 bits ;-)