^aChulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Since their establishment in 1916, Thai universities have faithfully performed the duty of transferring Western knowledge to Thai society, at the expense of creating a body of knowledge within the country. They have neglected Thai traditional knowledge. Consequently, the knowledge that has been taught in Thai universities has not been in harmony with Thai society; Thai students have become consumers and new research has been almost nonexistent. The author proposes a solution to this problem, involving the concepts of integrated systems of knowledge and a change in the 'culture of education'.