Education Minister Comments On Teachers Protest

[Jai Dee]

EDUCATION MINISTER NOT OPPOSED TO THE TEACHERS' PROTEST BUT SHOULD EXERCISE RATIONALITY

Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang (จาตุรนต์ ฉายแสง) said he is not opposed to tomorrow's gathering of teachers protesting the transfer of schools to local administrative bodies today, but cautions that the teachers and their supporters should use rationality to argue the case.

The Education Minister commented on the planned protest organized by teachers nationwide against the transfer of state schools to local administrative bodies, saying that he is not personally against the gathering, but he also does not support the gathering. He said that the teachers and all related executives should wait for more information and use reasons in negotiating instead of massing up people to show their power.

Mr. Chaturon said, however, that the Education Ministry needs to follow the Decentralization Act, which has been passed by the Parliament. He said that he would look into the law to find a solution that will have the least impact on teachers while creating benefits for educational reform and taking care of teachers' welfare. Meanwhile, he said that the local administrative bodies have to develop a good system to prepare for the school transfer. Mr. Chaturon expressed belief that a few schools will be transferred during the initial phase as the ministry needs to evaluate the preparedness of the plan. However, he said that the Ministry has to consult Deputy Prime Minister Wisanu Krua-ngarm (วิษณุ เครืองาม) first. Mr. Chaturon said he is not sure whether the matter will be put in this week's cabinet meeting agenda.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันจันทร์ที่ 7 พฤศจิกายน 2548

[Jai Dee]

1,000 TEACHERS FROM ALL OVER THAILAND GATHERED TO PROTEST THE TANSFER OF EDUCATION SERVICES TO LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITIES

About one thousand teachers from all over Thailand have congregated at the King Rama V Equestrian Statue since today morning to protest against the government consideration to transfer the education services to the local administrative authorities.

They gave the reasons that the long term plans have not been established, and they do not see the stability in their careers.

The educators added that the local administrative authorities are not reliable and efficient enough to look after the education institute. However, if the plans were well establish, the incident would not have occurred, said the educators.

A representative from the group will submit a letter to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to help them solve the problems. The teachers stated they cannot rely on Deputy Minister of Education Rung Kaewdaeng (รุ่ง แก้วแดง), and that he is not suitable to look after the Ministry of Education.

The group insisted to continue the protest until the government provides them with satisfactory response.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 November 2005