The latest global rankings of the most educated countries, released by CBRE Research and widely reported in international media, have produced some unexpected results: the United States, long perceived as a leader, is now surpassed by several other nations, while Ireland emerges as the world’s top country for higher education attainment. Meanwhile, Thailand, although making strides in education, remains outside the top cohort, fueling discussions on the nation’s future competitiveness in an increasingly knowledge-driven world [thinkstewartville.com][Visual Capitalist].
Recent data place Ireland at the pinnacle, with over 52% of adults aged 25-64 holding at least a bachelor’s degree—an outcome attributed to sustained investment in inclusive higher education since the 1990s as part of its economic development strategy. Switzerland (46%) and Singapore (45%) closely follow, demonstrating robust policies linking education to economic growth. Other countries, including the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands, also boast more than 40% of their working-age adults with tertiary qualifications. The United States, despite ongoing critiques of its unequal and expensive education system, still records over 40% tertiary attainment, underscoring its large pool of university graduates (over 78 million adults) [Visual Capitalist].
For the Thai public, these rankings offer valuable perspectives on the nation’s standing and illuminate urgent policy questions. According to World Bank data, only 17% of Thai adults aged 25 and older have completed at least a short-cycle tertiary qualification—a figure that falls well below the current global leaders and also below the average for many East Asian economies [Trading Economics]. For reference, neighboring South Korea—a country often cited as both an economic and educational benchmark for Thailand—registers a tertiary attainment of 39.4%, more than double Thailand’s rate [Visual Capitalist].
Education, long heralded as the central pillar for national prosperity, economic competitiveness, and social equity, is inextricably linked to Thailand’s future. The World Bank’s recent report “Bridging the Gap: Inequality and Jobs in Thailand” highlights how educational gaps represent the largest driver of income inequality in the kingdom. While attendance rates at lower levels of schooling are nearly universal, participation drops sharply after upper secondary school, especially among boys; in 2020, about 17% of boys aged 15-17 left the education system prematurely [World Bank].
The pandemic only deepened this divide. Distance learning disproportionately affected lower-income households, expanding the learning gap from 3.7 to 4 years—the difference between the expected and actual learning-adjusted years of school—according to Human Capital Index estimates. This learning loss is already reflected in Thailand’s Human Capital Index, which dropped from 0.61 to 0.55 between 2020 and 2022 [World Bank].
Globally, higher educational attainment is closely correlated with innovation, worker mobility, and economic prosperity. The CBRE study draws a direct line between a country’s education level and its economic model: the top-ranking nations are characterized by policies that democratize access to higher education, use universities and research institutions to drive knowledge economies, and emphasize lifelong learning to ensure workforce adaptability [thinkstewartville.com][Visual Capitalist].
For Thailand, the policy challenge is twofold: raising the proportion of citizens entering and completing tertiary education, and ensuring that education translates into real skills needed in a rapidly digital and innovation-driven economy. The Office of the Higher Education Commission, under the Ministry of Education, has identified digital literacy and English proficiency as urgent national priorities. However, implementation hurdles persist—especially in rural provinces and among lower-income communities, where school and university resources lag far behind urban counterparts such as Bangkok.
Culturally, respect for education is entrenched in Thai society, with Buddhist temples historically serving as both spiritual and educational centers. Royal and government policies throughout the 20th century expanded access to basic education. In recent decades, the government launched initiatives like the “15-year Free Education” policy, aiming for universal access. Yet, as the latest data show, significant barriers to tertiary education remain—including entrance exam competitiveness, costs, and uncertain employment benefits for some degrees.
Experts note that countries pulling ahead in global education rankings have focused substantially on applied sciences, technology, and fostering close collaboration between academia and industry. Ireland propelled itself to the top spot with targeted investments in science and engineering, strong links between universities and multinational corporations, and robust scholarship support for disadvantaged students. Singapore’s ascent is tied to its relentless emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and continual reskilling opportunities for adults—an area where Thailand’s workforce development policies could draw inspiration [Visual Capitalist].
From a historical standpoint, the gap between Thailand and the world’s education leaders has strategic implications. Traditionally, education was reserved for nobility and the Buddhist monastic elite. The broad-based expansion of higher education occurred only in the late 20th century. While today Thailand boasts internationally recognized universities and attracts foreign students, the scale and inclusiveness of tertiary education have lagged behind regional and global competitors.
Looking forward, the outlook is mixed. The World Bank notes that unless there is a “massive and structured upsurge” of investment and reform, Thailand risks falling further back, especially as digital technologies redefine labor market needs and regional competitors—like Vietnam and Malaysia—continue to climb. Educational reforms alone are not enough; policymakers must address economic inequality—particularly between Bangkok and northeastern provinces—to offer more equitable access to quality education and jobs for all Thais.
For Thai families and young adults weighing their educational choices, these global rankings are a timely reminder to consider STEM fields, language skills (especially English and Chinese), and continuous reskilling. Schools, universities, and employers are encouraged to expand digital learning, foster industry partnerships, and provide better career guidance. For policymakers, accelerating investment in quality education, especially in rural and underprivileged areas, is critical to closing the gap with global leaders.
In conclusion, while Thailand’s education system has achieved notable expansion at the basic and secondary levels, the tertiary attainment rate remains significantly below global benchmarks. To secure prosperity in an era defined by innovation and competition, Thailand must invest more deeply in accessible, relevant, and future-oriented higher education. The experience of high-performing countries such as Ireland, Switzerland, and Singapore offers a roadmap—one that Thailand can adapt to its unique cultural, economic, and regional context to ensure that the next decade’s rankings show the kingdom rising, not falling behind.