Shameless Buriram school insists janitor pays 25,000 baht pickup bill

A shameless school in Buriram has driven a school janitor into poverty after insisting he pays for repairs to the old school bus he drives. The unnamed school insists he pays a 25,000 baht repair bill despite being on a modest monthly salary of 10,000 baht.

Kritsana Pitakkoet has been employed as a janitor at a local school for more than a decade. In addition to his janitorial duties, the 51 year old man was tasked with driving the school’s 37 year old Toyota Hero vehicle to transport students. Recently, this ageing vehicle broke down, and the school sent it for repairs, which cost 25,000 baht.

Upon completion of the repairs, the school principal decided that Kritsana, being the driver, should bear the full cost of the repairs. With a monthly salary of 10,000 baht, Kritsana faced an initial deduction of 9,000 baht from his paycheck. This left him with only 1,000 baht for the month, prompting him to voice his concerns.

“I have been working as a janitor here for about 10 years, earning a monthly salary of 10,000 baht. Recently, the principal assigned me to drive the students using the school’s old pickup truck, which is now 37 years old and has several issues, especially with the engine.”

The incident occurred when Kritsana took two days off for personal matters in Bangkok. During his absence, the deputy head of Na Pho Subdistrict Municipality took over his driving duties. Upon Kritsana’s return, the principal informed him that the vehicle’s engine had broken down and required repairs, for which he would be responsible.

Initially unaware of the repair costs, Kritsana was later presented with a bill amounting to 24,600 baht. The principal expected him to cover the entire amount. Shocked by this demand, Kritsana felt it was unfair, as he was only tasked with driving the vehicle, not to maintain it.

Forced to resign

At the end of the month, Kritsana’s salary was reduced by 9,500 baht, leaving him with a mere 500 baht. The principal insisted on recovering the remaining 15,000 baht from future paychecks, prompting Kritsana to submit his resignation as a janitor.

Following Kritsana’s resignation, his daughter took to social media, seeking assistance. This public plea led to the principal calling Kritsana for another discussion. The principal offered to let Kritsana return to work but insisted on deducting 3,000 baht per month from his salary over the next five months to cover the remaining repair costs. Kritsana’s daughter, however, opposed this arrangement, arguing that it was unjust, reported KhaoSod.

“I am just a janitor, but when my superior assigned me to drive, I complied. However, I believe it is unfair to make me pay for the repairs, especially considering the vehicle’s poor condition and its advanced age.”