Scholarships for the Socially Vulnerable: A Space of Hope within Thailand's Education System

This article examines scholarship support for socially vulnerable children in Thailand, focusing on those frequently excluded from conventional funding schemes such as children in extreme poverty, stateless children, those from unstable families, LGBTQ+ youth lacking safe spaces at school, and children with disabilities or special needs (including autism and Down syndrome) who often require not only financial assistance but also sustained understanding and adaptive learning support. Data from Thailand’s Equitable Education Fund (EEF) indicates that more than 1.25 million children fall under the “extreme poverty” category, yet only a small fraction can progress to higher education. To address this gap, the article proposes community-based scholarships under the “Baworn” framework, integrating home, temple, and school in local areas. These scholarships provide small but meaningful support that prioritizes compassionate insight and holistic care over bureaucratic criteria alone. The approach aligns with international equity-oriented models demonstrating that community-driven support combined with safe spaces and practical care can foster sustainable educational equity. The conclusion argues that truly equitable scholarships must be grounded in local community understanding, consistent with the Buddharaksa Moral Community Project’s role in creating a space of hope for children who often remain invisible within mainstream systems.