A provocative idea from the CEO of Duolingo suggests that in an AI-dominated future, traditional schools may mostly serve as supervised childcare rather than primary learning spaces. The concept, discussed on the No Priors podcast and echoed in global coverage, prompts Thai educators, parents, and policymakers to reexamine the evolving roles of schools and teachers in an era of intelligent learning systems.
Proponents argue that AI can deliver highly personalized instruction at scale, potentially surpassing what a single teacher can manage in a class of 30 or more students. The vision describes schools as social environments where childcare is central, while AI platforms handle most academic teaching. Teachers would act more as facilitators and mentors, supporting skills like collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving that machines cannot replicate.
For Thailand, this debate hits close to home. The Thai education system, overseen by the Ministry of Education, guarantees 15 years of free basic education and emphasizes face-to-face learning as a social good. Yet Thailand faces challenges such as large class sizes, rural-urban disparities, underfunded schools, and pressures on working families. These realities make AI-assisted learning an appealing complement, especially if it can reach students beyond major cities.
Recent Thai-focused research and expert discussions show AI in education is no longer theoretical. A 2025 NSTDA conference highlighted how AI is being integrated into formal education and workforce development. National platforms use AI to tailor learning paths and recommend courses, helping learners in remote areas access personalized content. AI-driven tutoring, chatbots, and virtual labs are entering classrooms across the country, including rural regions.
Advocates cite clear benefits: AI systems can track progress, identify strengths and gaps, and offer customized practice. Platforms that combine language learning with adaptive exercises can boost engagement, close foundational gaps, and help schools identify students at risk of falling behind. Data from Thai and international tools indicates potential gains in motivation and knowledge retention when AI supports learning.
In practice, AI could handle more of the routine academic tasks—grading, exercises, and language practice—while teachers concentrate on motivation, social-emotional development, and culturally relevant instruction. Successful implementation will require collaboration among ministries, universities, and private partners to prepare teachers and the workforce to thrive alongside AI.
Yet concerns remain about losing the “human touch.” Social skills, cultural literacy, and civic values are reinforced through face-to-face school life—morning assemblies, ceremonies, and communal activities that bind communities. Important ethical and practical issues also arise: data privacy, equitable access, algorithmic bias, and the risk of widening the digital divide between urban and rural schools.
International discussions emphasize these cautions. While AI can tailor instruction and reduce gaps, heavy reliance on digital platforms can erode creativity and critical thinking if human mentorship is reduced. A cautious approach suggests AI should complement, not replace, the human teacher.
In Thailand, AI in education is being aligned with national strategies. The MHESI-led AI roadmap prioritizes ethics, equity, and blended learning, reinforcing that AI should augment rather than replace educators. Government initiatives aim to expand lifelong learning through AI-enabled platforms and supportive policies, while addressing infrastructure gaps.
For Thai families, especially in urban areas where dual-income households are common, schools remain essential childcare hubs. Even as AI handles more content, supervised social environments and cultural continuity within schools will continue to matter. Thai culture’s strong emphasis on community rituals, Buddhist observances, and respect for teachers supports a balanced approach to education in which digital tools are integrated with human guidance.
Experts across Asia foresee a hybrid model as most feasible for Thailand: AI for scalable, personalized learning, with schools preserving roles in childcare, cultural transmission, socialization, and emotional development—particularly at primary and early secondary levels. Over the next decade, classrooms may become “smart,” blending digital tools with locally relevant, human-centered instruction.
Policy priorities for Thailand include closing infrastructure gaps and establishing ethical standards to protect privacy and ensure inclusive access. The current teacher shortage and large class sizes underscore the need for digital tools, paired with extensive teacher training.
For families and students, practical guidance is clear. Embrace AI-enabled learning tools where available, while staying actively engaged with teachers and schools. Encourage children to balance AI study with cultural and extracurricular activities to cultivate well-rounded, resilient learners.
Actionable recommendations for Thai readers:
- Leverage AI-powered learning platforms available in Thailand for self-paced study, language practice, or exam preparation.
- Urge schools to build AI literacy for teachers and students, clarifying both benefits and risks.
- Advocate for government support to provide reliable internet and devices, especially in underserved regions.
- Protect data privacy and consider ethical implications when using digital platforms.
- Support blended school models that combine AI efficiency with Thailand’s traditions of cultural and social education.
Overall, AI is poised to reshape how Thai students learn, but the country’s educational and cultural context suggests schools will remain vital as childcare centers and communal learning spaces. The challenge is to balance efficient, personalized learning with the human touch at the heart of Thai education.