“Bangkhunprom University”: Thoughts on and Provision of Education for the Development of Thai Women

Abstract

The purposes of this research were 1) to study the historical context of society and culture that impacted on the provision of education for the development of Thai women 2) to analyze Bangkhunprom University’s thoughts on and provision of education for the development of Thai women, and 3) to apply Bangkhunprom University’s thoughts on and provision of education for the development of Thai women to the present day situation. The methodology used in this study was the historical analysis of documents pertaining, especially the extensive writings. The results of this study showed that; The education of Thai women during 1867-1931 could be divided into two categories, traditional form of education, and new kind of knowledge from the western. In terms of factors which influenced the provision of education for the development of Thai women was the historical context of events, especially the beginning of colonial presence in Southeast Asia. Moreover, Bangkhunprom University used multi-disciplined knowledge both from Thai tradition and the western world, resulting in a historic education. The way in which Bangkhumprom University used and appreciated the importance of “education for the development of Thai women” showed that Bangkhunprom University had a required quality of the gender equality and equity. All of these were significant for the development of Thai women and for that reason should still be useful and relevant to our present day situation.