The Development of Educational Leadership in Thailand: A Pathway to Sustainable Education Quality in the 21st Century

Abstract

This article aims to study the development of educational leadership in Thailand as a pathway to sustainable education quality in the 21st century. The study found that in the 21^st century, Thailand faces international competition and the impacts of globalization, necessitating reforms in the education system to develop human resources with competencies comparable to international standards. The focus should be on improving curricula, developing teachers, and conducting classroom research, with school leaders playing a crucial role in driving educational policies. Educational reform should concentrate on four main dimensions: students, teachers, schools, and management systems to enhance the effectiveness of education management and develop 21^st-century skills. Additionally, technological changes and lifestyle shifts affect educational management, requiring educational leaders to employ both science and art in their management practices to achieve objectives effectively, especially within the context of an aging society and technology access. The development of human resource management and effective communication skills is essential for organizational operations. Integrating these skills with effective communication will strengthen internal relationships and enhance work capabilities. Therefore, educational leaders should possess key characteristics such as broad knowledge and strategic vision. Leadership development should be based on empirical evidence and adopt a systematic approach, starting with the preparation of executives and the development of graduate curricula, to produce educational leaders capable of sustainably managing change in a manner suitable for Thailand's context.