Patriotism or control? Thai government’s human-resource push gets pushback

About 6.5 million Thais will soon be getting lessons in patriotism and love of the monarchy via four key government ministries.

Led by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a memo of understanding (MoU) was signed last month by his ministry and the ministries of Education; Higher Education, Science, Research; and Labor to add the country’s so-called three pillars – nation, religion and king – to its human-resource development agenda.

“Indicators of people’s quality should extend beyond their ability, career performance or income-generation potential to good health, ethics, love for the country, pride in the nation and loyalty to the country’s core institutions,” Anutin said.

It was necessary to ensure the public receives information that makes them proud of their country, culture and monarchy, which have been key pillars of the kingdom from the beginning, he…