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Thailand doesn't develop enough good books for small children,
though at this age they have the best opportunity to develop a love of
reading - especially 4-year-olds.
Citing the National Statistical Office report in 2008 that Thais over 6
spend 39 minutes a day reading books outside school or work, with youths
reading the most at 46 minutes, he said this was low compared to other
countries.
Besides, it was reported that Thais read about five books a year while
Vietnamese read 60 books, Singaporeans 45 books and Malaysians 40 books.
Citing the Thai children's low PISA test scores, ranking 50th out of 65
participating countries, he urged the government to promote reading and
teachers to adjust classroom methods, making lessons fun and engaging rather
than focusing only on grammar.
Committee member Preeda Panyachan said Thailand produced more
children's and youth books than other Asean countries, as Myanmar, Laos,
Cambodia and Vietnam focused on remaking folk tales, while Malaysia and
Singapore imported books as they had widespread English literacy
Vietnam was an interesting case study in the benefits of translating
foreign books and improving folk tales to be universal to stimulate youths'
love of reading.
Thai readers were still among the well-to-do and educated group, so
the state should have measures to ensure the availability of books for poor
kids, he said.
ที่มา น.ส.พ. The Nation วั นที่ 26 ต.ค.55