BANGKOK, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's education shows significant improvement in the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking compiled by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), prompting the government to accelerate its reform plan, a government spokesperson said on Monday.

University students walk around Siam Square in Bangkok on May 8, 2024. (File photo: AFP)

According to the ranking, Thailand's education competitiveness climbed three places to 52nd globally, reversing years of successive declines, said Deputy Government Spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn, adding that the adult literacy ranking leaped nine spots, marking tangible progress from national education reforms.

She added that breakdowns of individual education indicators show clear progress across multiple areas, as the literacy rate for the population aged 15 and older advanced nine places to 48th globally, and public education spending per student also rose five spots to 50th worldwide.

The spokesperson said authorities will roll out proactive strategies to boost the country's competitiveness, focusing on English proficiency, workforce skills and artificial intelligence (AI) literacy. Key initiatives include promoting widespread AI education and collaborating with specialists to establish balanced screen-time guidelines for schools.