College Administration Responds to Allegations of Forcing Thai Teacher to Resign Over Nighttime Singing Controversy

[webfact]

 

In a recent incident involving a TikTok user, a female teacher from a private college in Yala province has posted a video announcing her resignation from the teaching profession.

 

In the video, she expressed her frustrations, claiming that she was forced to resign due to singing outside of working hours, particularly at night, or facing unbearable pressure that caused her severe headaches. Her resignation has now been officially accepted by the college.

 

The video, which went viral, featured a written letter expressing her desire to resign as a teacher and explicitly stating that she was forced to do so because of her after-hours singing career, reported Siam Rath.

 

She used the hashtag #AnOccupationThatHasBeenSuppressedThroughoutMyLife to describe her secondary profession.

 

Most recently, on June 11, reporters followed up on the incident and interviewed Ms. Wanpen Sathawongkawin, the Deputy Director of Human Resources, who revealed that the teacher, Ms. Jane, held an administrative position responsible for documentation and activities within the college.

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

The issue of her dress code compliance, which was in accordance with the college regulations, remained within the college's jurisdiction. However, the college did not prohibit her from pursuing a singing career outside of working hours.

 

Nevertheless, the teacher's work performance was affected as she frequently took sick leave due to migraines, possibly resulting from insufficient rest. The college had previously warned and advised her about the declining work performance.

 

Eventually, she decided to submit her resignation, and the college did not force her to do so. The college, understanding the need for additional income, supported teachers seeking supplemental occupations, as long as they did not violate college rules or behave improperly, both in terms of appearance and conduct, as teachers should be role models for students both inside and outside the college.

 

Ms. Tapnee Sukkonnit, a vocational college music teacher, came forward to share her perspective. She disclosed that she had been working at the college for three years while also engaging in a part-time singing career during the late hours in Yala province.

 

Regarding the incident, she clarified that the college did not forbid her from singing at night, which contradicted the claim made in the viral video.

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

She continued to fulfill her teaching duties and pursued her singing career concurrently. However, she emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional appearance and avoiding excessive behaviors.

 

Regarding the provision of alcoholic beverages to musicians, she suggested being cautious or, if unavoidable, consuming them in moderation to maintain a professional image.

 

Ms. Sukkonnit urged the media to consider both sides of the story, stating that the college did not prohibit her secondary occupation but emphasized the need for appropriate conduct.

 

The college also supported faculty members who possessed singing abilities by assigning them as advisors for student activities related to singing, which benefited the college community.

 

Top Picture: Siam Rath

 

-- © Copyright  ASEAN NOW 2023-06-12

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

 

Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

 

 

[stoner]

11 minutes ago, webfact said:

Nevertheless, the teacher's work performance was affected as she frequently took sick leave due to migraines, possibly resulting from insufficient rest. The college had previously warned and advised her about the declining work performance.

this is very important to note. clearly her 2nd job was effecting her first and primary job. 

 

if her performance was not being effected i would say let it be. however that is not the case and the school has a very valid point here. 

[ikke1959]

Who cares what people do in their freetime.. She is not paid by the education department/school in her freetime... It seems that employers "own" people as they all want to make rules what the employees can or may do in their freetime...

[smedly]

2 hours ago, stoner said:

this is very important to note. clearly her 2nd job was effecting her first and primary job. 

 

if her performance was not being effected i would say let it be. however that is not the case and the school has a very valid point here. 

you really think that's what is going on here, holding up photos of her performing, i would say she was shamed into resigning by a few jealous old ###, what she does in her own time is her business, if it affected her performance as a teacher then sack her for that 

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The video, which went viral,

What a sad world it is becoming.

[stoner]

6 hours ago, smedly said:

if it affected her performance as a teacher then sack her for that 

this is the point i was making. 

[nahkit]

11 hours ago, smedly said:

you really think that's what is going on here, holding up photos of her performing, i would say she was shamed into resigning by a few jealous old ###, what she does in her own time is her business, if it affected her performance as a teacher then sack her for that 

Did you even bother to read the article?

 

She wasn't a teacher, she was working in admin and they clearly stated that her job performance was affected.

 

"work performance was affected as she frequently took sick leave due to migraines, possibly resulting from insufficient rest. The college had previously warned and advised her about the declining work performance. "

[BangkokReady]

Teachers wake up very early to go to work.  Singers tend to stay up very late.  These two professions do not complement each other, IMO.

 

It's unfortunate, but obviously the side job cannot interfere with the main job.