The Journal of Thai Studies
Online ISSN : 2759-0291
Print ISSN : 1883-2121
ARTICLES
Challenges and Practices of GED Preparatory Education for Urban Refugees: A Case Study of Myanmar Students in Mae Sot, Tak Province, Northern Thailand
Ayaka WATANABE
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2025 Volume 25 Issue 1 Pages 101-119

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Abstract

This study focuses on Myanmar urban refugee students living in the Thailand-Myanmar border region and aims to clarify the current situation and challenges of their education aimed at pursuing higher education through GED classes. In Mae Sot, Northern Thailand, where many Myanmar urban refugees have settled since the 2021 coup, the high educational background and strong support from recently arrived parents have influenced the growing expectations for higher education, differing from what was pointed out in previous studies. In response to the increased number of students wishing to take the GED after the coup, more Migrant Learning Centers and private tutoring schools offering GED preparatory education have emerged. However, challenges such as insufficient educational facilities, lack of necessary educational materials, and a shortage of qualified teachers have been identified. Furthermore, students who wants to take GED exam face issues such as the lack of identification documents, high examination fees, the scarcity of scholarships, and the shortage of test centers. The number of students who proceed to university after passing the GED exam is limited, and many students are still waiting for opportunities to attend higher education. These issues highlight the challenges faced by Myanmar urban refugee students in pursuing higher education in Thailand.

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© 2025 The Japanese Society for Thai Studies
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