his study examined trends in educational attainment for girls and boys in Thailand and attitudes of parents toward the education of sons and daughters. Data was obtained from the 1990 census, from several recent surveys, and focus group discussions in two rural districts. A gender gap was more visible between levels of education and, specifically, the transition between lower and upper primary levels, which had the highest drop out rate. 1990 census results indicated that the proportion completing grade 4 had been high for some time (90% of cohorts aged 43 years and younger). Completion of grade 6 included 30% of persons aged 33 years in 1990 and over 90% of adolescents. Increases were apparent in students entering lower and upper secondary school. The gender gap was greatest in lower secondary school, but recent cohorts have closed the gap. The trend may be for slightly higher male enrollment, but girls had higher progression rates at the secondary and higher educational levels. There was a shift in types of tertiary education by gender over time. Universal primary schooling has eliminated the gender gap in recent cohorts. Socioeconomic differences still impacted on educational attainment. The 1988 Social Attitudes Survey found that about 50% of married women of reproductive age supported gender equality in schooling, and 50% thought schooling should be determined by ability. Rural parents were more likely to favor education of sons over daughters, but rural parents also expressed the desire for equality for girls and boys in primary education. 30% of rural and 50% of urban parents responded that education should depend upon ability. In the Social Attitudes Toward Children Survey, about 75% of both husbands and wives considered equal levels of education appropriate for girls and boys. In-depth interviews provided the view that advanced education was necessary for all to ensure a decent living. There were some reports favoring boys' education, and all groups were concerned about the bad influences possible in attending secondary schools outside the community. Girls were expected to be less influenced, but more subject to threats to physical safety. School accessibility would eliminate many fears. Parents' decisions about schooling were based both on concerns about children's welfare and the returns for parents. Gender was a consideration in schooling even though the gender gap in education had closed.