Chiang Mai teacher dismissed over student lunch programme mismanagement
Chaiyot Suktor, a senior professional level teacher (K3) at Yangpao School in Omkoi, Chiang Mai, has been dismissed from the civil service following allegations of corruption by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
Chaiyot, identified as the fourth accused, is allegedly guilty of criminal misconduct as an official, accused of performing or neglecting duties without authority.
The case centres around Chaiyot, who served on the student lunch inspection committee and was implicated by a former school administrator. Chaiyot was accused of mismanaging the student lunch programme, redirecting food intended for kindergarten and primary students to secondary students as well, due to the majority of them being residential students from poor families.
Today, December 7, Surasak Panchareonwongkun, Deputy Minister of Education, commented on the case, expressing sympathy for Chaiyot who was implicated by the NACC. The Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC) is currently examining the case, as the funds were allegedly misused to feed secondary students with a primary school lunch budget, which was done for the students’ benefit.
Chaiyot’s case is not an isolated instance. Other teachers have also been found to use the primary school lunch budget to feed secondary students, especially in extended opportunity schools, where only primary students are provided with lunch, leaving secondary students without meals, reported KhaoSod.
In response, the Deputy Minister of Education plans to propose to the Cabinet the allocation of a lunch budget for secondary students in extended opportunity schools, to ensure all students are fed. However, the timeline for this depends on Cabinet consideration.
“The solution to this problem must be comprehensive, as it’s not just Chaiyot who has faced this issue. Others have also faced legal action in similar situations. OBEC may need to examine the details, to see if there’s a way to appeal and assist.”
In related news, 15 year old Thai students faced a significant setback in their performance in maths, science, and reading, according to the recent rankings by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which conducted the assessment, revealed that these students scored 394 in maths, a sharp fall from 419 in the previous year. Read more about this story HERE.
