There is one aggravating characterstic of Thai students you failed to mention that keeps them off that mountain--the colossal inferiority complex one sees in Thai society. When you go to
a Thailand beach and see the tide roll in twice a day, remember that it's caused by three things--the sun, the moon, and Thailand's collective fear that 'it can't do it', no matter what it is that needs to get done. Thai students won't study outside of class because they are simply bogged down with fear. Fear of being wrong, fear of looking bad, fear of losing face.....the list goes on and on.

Thailand's inferiority complex is so big it has its own gravity. I wish we Farang could help them, but from what I've seen only King Bhumbibol can save a society that's as afraid of its own shadow as Thailand is.

HZ