Thai teachers demand MoU cancellation over alcohol discounts
Agreement offers teachers a 10% discount at three Tawandang locations
Thai educators are up in arms over a controversial deal between a state agency and a beer company, launching a petition to cancel the agreement.
The backlash is centred on concerns that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Office of the Welfare Promotion Commission for Teachers and Educational Personnel (OTEP) and Tawandang German Brewery undermines teacher integrity and sets a poor example for society.
The MoU, signed on May 14, promises to enhance teacher welfare by offering a 10% discount at three Tawandang German Brewery locations – two in Bangkok and one in Nonthaburi. While the deal is intended to run until May 13 of next year, it has sparked a fierce debate about the appropriateness of linking teacher benefits to alcohol discounts.
Chayapa Khunpittikana, coordinator of the network Thai Teachers Against Vice-Promoting Welfare, expressed her disapproval, highlighting the potential damage to the reputation of teachers.
“The image of teachers is already often viewed negatively. A state agency endorsing alcohol consumption is unacceptable.”
The network argues that real support for teachers’ welfare should focus on their health and well-being in meaningful ways, such as offering affordable private healthcare, rather than promoting alcohol.
In response, they have written an open letter to Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob, demanding that the MoU be revoked. The letter outlines several key concerns:
First, it stresses the damage to both the public image and ethical standards of teachers and the Ministry of Education, which has long advocated for students to steer clear of vice.
Secondly, the network warns that offering alcohol-related perks could normalise drinking among teachers, potentially encouraging students to imitate their behaviour, reported Bangkok Post.
Moreover, the petition points out that the teaching profession has traditionally been held in high regard for its dignity and respect, and such an agreement could erode this image, leading to long-term consequences for the reputation of educators.
While the intent behind the MoU may have been to provide teachers with a benefit, critics argue that it misses the mark in promoting responsible welfare. As the debate intensifies, the Ministry of Education faces mounting pressure to reconsider its position on the issue.
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