so goes living life as Sanok all the time


with 67% of its youth and adults below foundational reading literacy levels, 74% underperforming in digital skills, and 30% lacking socioemotional skills, according to the World Bank's "Fostering Foundational Skills in Thailand" report.

This situation has significant economic costs, estimated at 20% of GDP in 2022, totaling 3.3 trillion baht. A monthly income gap of 6,324 baht now exists between those below and above the literacy threshold. This is a substantial gap, considering the average monthly household income in Thailand is approximately 27,352 baht ($775), as stated in the report.

The skills crisis is concentrated among older adults (those aged 40 and above), younger adults (those below 40) without higher education degrees, and those living in rural areas and in the northern and southern regions of Thailand.

The report offers five recommendations for the government:

- Assist teachers with skill supply diagnostics, proven programs, and a basic skills framework.
- Improve decentralized learning by establishing a provincial coordinating institution, investing in skills for young children, and involving the private sector.
- Enhance teaching and learning through tools like classroom observation and individual learning accounts.
- Elevate education quality with teacher professional development and recertification.
- Utilize information campaigns, employing local champions or experts to highlight the financial benefits of investing in basic literacy, digital, and socioemotional skills.