Lifelong Learning in Thai Educational Administration: Strategies and Implications for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Rapid changes in the economy, society, and technology are changing the demands on the workforce and creating learning gaps. As a result, lifelong learning is becoming a crucial tool for sustainable growth and the development of human capital. Educational administrators in Thailand must be able to successfully integrate learning opportunities across the lifetime and across learning modalities in order to promote lifelong learning. This study synthesizes lifelong learning's philosophical underpinnings, policy-related roles, implementation issues, and promising practices in line with sustainable development goals in order to investigate it within the framework of Thai educational administration. Its specific objectives are to: (1) summarize the main ideas and tenets of lifelong learning; (2) examine its functions in Thailand's educational system in light of sustainable development; (3) pinpoint the main structural and administrative obstacles to the promotion of lifelong learning; and (4) gather successful strategies and case studies of lifelong learning management in Thailand.

Methodology: Academic literature, research findings, and national and international policy documents on sustainable development, educational administration, and lifelong learning were reviewed and synthesized using a documentary research technique. Thematic synthesis was used to assess the sources and provide a comprehensive conceptual framework with implications for policy.

Findings: According to the synthesis, encouraging lifelong learning in Thailand requires integrated educational administration that facilitates flexible pathways for students of all ages and links formal, non-formal, and informal education. Along with enduring societal inclinations for credential-based formal education, major barriers include unequal access to digital infrastructure and learning resources, limited and dispersed funding, and poor cross-agency cooperation. The strategic use of digital technology for open and blended learning, community-based learning initiatives, and industry partnerships that improve quality, accessibility, and relevance were shown to be effective strategies.

Conclusion: Thailand's sustainable development depends heavily on lifelong learning, especially when it comes to enhancing fairness, employability, and adaptability in
a society that is changing quickly. To guarantee widespread and equitable participation throughout the lifespan, policy and educational administration should fortify the infrastructure for lifelong learning, improve the abilities of educators and administrators, formalize cross-sector cooperation, and increase the number of inclusive technology-enabled learning opportunities.