Teachers Up In Arms Against Cabinet Resolution

[george]

Teachers up in arms against Cabinet resolution

BANGKOK: -- Thousands of teachers vowed to continue their protest until the government rescinded Tuesday's cabinet resolution tranferring government schools to the supervision of local

administrative authorities.

Pitsanu Tulrasuk, vice chairman of the Network Against Education Transfer said teachers'associations nationwide will show their unity against the Cabinet resolution.

More teachers will join the next rally to express their opposition against the government decision, he vowed.

Refusing to teach classes would be the teachers' last resort to pressure the government to revoke its decision on the matter, the teachers' spokesman said.

Earlier, tens of thousands of teachers and educators from across the nation gathered at the Royal Plaza wearing yellow shirts as a sign of solidarity to show their opposition to the government decision. The angry teachers later moved to protest in front of Government House but were blocked by police, so they then moved to rally in front of the Education Ministry.

Six teachers had their heads shaved and two leaders of the teachers movement slashed their arms with knives to send a strong message to the government.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Sansanee Nakpong told a press briefing following the weekly Cabinet meeting that the Cabinet had resolved to transfer public education service--Thailand's schools--to the

supervision of local administrative authorities "on a voluntary basis".

She explained that teachers could go back to their previous affiliations in two years if they found working under local administrative authorities's supervision were unsatisfactory.

The Cabinet also approved a 5 per cent monthly salary hike for teachers and educators all over the country, according to the deputy government spokesman, retroactive to Oct 1, to allow teachers to cope with the

rising cost of living.

--The Nation 2005-11-09

[Jai Dee]

DEPUTY LEADER OF CHART THAI PARTY DISAGREES WITH GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO TRANSFER PUBLIC EDUCATION SERVICES TO LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITIES

Deputy Leader of Chart Thai Party CHUWIT KAMOLVISIT (ชูวิทย์ กมลวิศิษฎ์) said that his party does not agree with the government’s decision to transfer government school teachers to the supervision of local administrative authorities since they are not prepared to serve this plan.

As for the announcement made by the government that teachers could return to their original affiliations if they feel unsatisfied with the new workplaces within two years, Mr. CHUWIT said that it is not practically easy to do so. He also expressed that the pressure would oblige the government to revise its decision. He said that this matter will be discussed with other opposition parties.

At the same time, the Chart Thai Party Deputy Leader has denied the report that the opposition parties are in conflicts with each other in regards to the proposal of withdrawing Prime Minister THAKSIN SHINAWATRA from his post. He stated that the proposal could only be done with accurate information and evidences.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 November 2005

[Jai Dee]

LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVCE BODIES MUST HAVE CAPABILITY TO LOOK AFTER SCHOOLS IF TRANSFER IS TO HAPPEN

Interior Minister KONGSAK WANTANA (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) said that local administrative bodies must have the capability to look after state schools in all aspects including wages and school facilities, should state schools come under the control of local administrative bodies. Mr Kongsak said that the matter is now taken under consideration adding that the transfer must be voluntary and not compulsory in accommodating the change.

More than 10,000 teachers gathered at the Royal Plaza yesterday - forced the government to back off from its plan to force state schools to come under the control of local administrative bodies. The cabinet agreed yesterday to leave the decision with the school board, teachers and its executives.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 November 2005

[khall64au]

Seems that Thai teachers have been worried for some time now about their welfare under this policy. One would hope that the powers would listen to their concerns.........

Current teachers 'should stay under the ministry'

Published on Aug 25 , 2005

Teachers currently employed by state-run schools should remain under the Education Ministry even when their schools shift to local administrative-body control, says the chairman of the Phrae Provincial Administration Organisation.

"Doing so would reduce teachers' concerns about their status and their welfare," said Dr Chanchai Silapa-uaychai.

He said only new teachers should come under local administrative bodies, which would play a greater role in educational services as the central government pursued its decentralisation policy.

Chanchai was speaking at a seminar on decentralisation of educational services.

He believes decentralisation should allow the ministry to be in charge of policy, curricula and the quality of educational services, while local administrative bodies should handle only the physical infrastructure.

He said the ministry should also evaluate each local administrative body on how it manages the schools under its charge.

"Following the evaluation, the ministry should take over any schools from local bodies showing a poor performance," Chanchai added.

Speaking at the same seminar, Assoc Prof Wuthisarn Tanchai said Thailand should carefully study the educational-service decentralisation plans of France, Great Britain, the United States, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

"Then, we should choose the good parts and apply them to our situation," said Wuthisarn, who sits on a committee tasked with decentralising educational services.

- The Nation

http://www.komchadluek.net/breaking/read.p...en&newsid=77900

[americana]

Hereabouts there's a plague of unqualified and poorly equipped foreigners purporting to be teachers and inflicting themselves on Thai kids. It gets tiring as they query where to obtain fake tertiary diploma's etc.

[Tywais]

The Cabinet also approved a 5 per cent monthly salary hike for teachers and educators all over the country, according to the deputy government spokesman, retroactive to Oct 1, to allow teachers to cope with the

rising cost of living.

I certainly won't complain about that just wonder when it will show up in my pay check.

Over 2 years ago Chiangmai University (and most other government universities) was informed by the government that they would become autonomous but the Ajarns at these schools protested and the cabinet postponed it. Wonder if this is the same issue rehashed.

Bit of a nightmare here because no one seemed to know if or when it would happen and where finances where going to come from. My contracts were reduced from two years to one year terms because of the uncertainty. Fortunatelly the university felt I was too important to take a chance of losing me and now I have permanent staff position here.

Edited November 9, 2005 by tywais

[Jai Dee]

TEACHERS URGED TO BE MORE OPEN-MINDED ABOUT THE TRANSFER OF SCHOOLS TO LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES

Secretary to the Cabinet Bawornsak Uwanno (บวรศักดิ์ อุวรรณโณ) urged teachers to be more open-minded concerning the transfer of schools to local administrative bodies, as the Cabinet has decided it is not compulsory anymore.

Mr. Bawornsak revised the report on the cabinet resolution made on Tuesday, saying that the transfer of the schools under the Education Ministry must put students as priority. He said that the transfer of schools must first ensure that the quality of education that the students will receive will remain the same or better. He added that both the school and the local administrative body must agree to the transfer, before it can be carried out. He requested that the teachers who came to protest be more open-minded and not to over worry about the transfer.

Mr. Bawornsak said that the cabinet also assigned the Office of Decentralization to local government organization committee to review its law and decentralization process as well as other action plans, to see whether there are obstacles in executing those measures and finding solutions to those problems. He said that the law has been in effect for a long time, and it could be changed if the situation changes. He said the Office must submit a report to the Cabinet for further review.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 November 2005

[Jai Dee]

THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION SHOULD STRESS ON EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT

The Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Religion, Arts and Culture, Mr. WIBOON SHAMSHEUN (วิบูลย์ แช่มชื่น), expressed his concern over the teachers’ dissatisfaction on education reform. He commented that the reform should stress on education management.

A seminar on education reform's problems and recommendations was held at Rimpao (ริมปาว) Hotel in KALASIN (กาฬสินธุ์) Province. During the seminar, Mr. WIBOON said the national education development plan should be devised by professional teachers and lecturers, whether or not they have been transferred to the local administrative authorities.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 November 2005

[Jai Dee]

DPM WISSANU DENIES GIVING COMMENT ON THE DECLINE OF TRT PARTY’S POPULARITY CAUSED BY THE TRANSFER OF EDUCATION SERVICES TO LOCAL AMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITIES

Deputy Prime Minister WISSANU KREA-NGAM (วิษณุ เครืองาม) has denied giving his comment on the situation where teachers have expressed their stance against the Cabinet resolution in transferring government schools to the supervision of local authorities.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the matter is rather considered as an internal matter within the party and advised that the Deputy Secretary-General of the Thai Rak Thai Party, Mr. PHOOMTHAM WETCHAYACHAI (ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย), would be able to provide better clarification on this issue.

As for the government's plan to inform the public and teachers about this incident via television, Mr. WISSANU said it is not convenient for him to give the interview due to his health problems.

Meanwhile, there has been a rumor that the Thai Rak Thai Party would lose its popularity from this resolution.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 November 2005

[awarrumbungle]

Sorry guys, is this about farang teachers or Thai...? I can't really see 10,000 farang's that give a f.... grouping together and slashing their arms!!

I am a little lost to the implication of what this shift would mean.

These people never seem to talk about the pros and cons of such a move. Only covering their backsides.

[WhiteShiva]

Sorry guys, is this about farang teachers or Thai...?  I can't really see 10,000 farang's that give a f....  grouping together and slashing their arms!!

I am a little lost to the implication of what this shift would mean.

These people never seem to talk about the pros and cons of such a move.  Only covering their backsides.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Is it just me, or are there other people out there who find idea of teachers mutilating themselves to prove a point a big frightening? Not the kind of characters I would like to entrust my kids to, that’s for sure.

Personally I think these guys should be banned from ever holding a teaching position, no matter how valid their argument might be.....

[Jai Dee]

TEACHERS GATHERED YESTERDAY TO PROTEST IN 2 PROVINCES

More than 3,000 teachers from 9 districts in Phitsanulok yesterday gathered at a school in the province’s city area to oppose the transfer of administration of educational affairs to local administrations.

Teacher’s representatives took turns to make speeches attacking the government’s administration of educational affairs.

Mr. Chaweng Mengket (เชวง เม็งเกตุ), the chairman of the Phitsanulok’s teachers association, said teachers were ready to amass and travel to protest in front of the Prime Minister’s house in Chiang Mai, by means of residing there, until the prime minister granted them audience and promise not to have the transfer of administration power.

Protestors afterwards carried a coffin attached with a note stating “condolences for the education ministry” to place in the open and then set it on fire, amongst protestors who gathered around to mourn.

In another protest, more than 5,000 teachers gathered at Khonkaen City Hall, also to demand the government to halt the transfer.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันอาทิตย์ที่ 13 พฤศจิกายน 2548

[Jai Dee]

PRIME MINISTER AFFIRMS TEACHERS CAN REMAIN UNDER EDUCATION MINISTRY ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra has affirmed that teachers who did not wish to be transferred to local administrations can remain within the jurisdiction of the Education Ministry.

Prime Minister Thaksin said yesterday that he had already given a clear policy that the transfer of administrative power would have to be made with consent, and the local administrations that will be granted the administrative power would be required to possess the readiness. Mr. Thaksin also asked teachers not to worry too much as those who did not want to transfer can still remain under the Education Ministry, noting that their over concern would affect the schools and teachers that wanted the transfer.

Local administrations that wish to receive the transfer of administrative power for educational affairs must file request within 2 months starting November 12th. Evaluation of each local administration’s readiness would take place starting January 15th.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันอาทิตย์ที่ 13 พฤศจิกายน 2548

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Hereabouts there's a plague of unqualified and poorly equipped foreigners purporting to be teachers and inflicting themselves on Thai kids. It gets tiring as they query where to obtain fake tertiary diploma's etc.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So very true. Plague is an apt description

[Rumpole]

Hereabouts there's a plague of unqualified and poorly equipped foreigners purporting to be teachers and inflicting themselves on Thai kids. It gets tiring as they query where to obtain fake tertiary diploma's etc.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So very true. Plague is an apt description

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Who employs these "teachers"? The Thais. And why? Because they will work for peanuts. Som num nah.

Edited November 14, 2005 by Rumpole

[Jai Dee]

SOUTHERN TEACHERS ASSOCIATION CONVINCES SCHOOLS TO PROTEST AGAINST TRANSFER OF SCHOOLS

The Southern Teachers Association (สมาพันธ์ครูภาคใต้ ) urged all schools in the South to pitch up signs in protest against the transfer of schools to local administrative bodies. The association also encouraged teachers to wear yellow shirt every Tuesday as a sign of unity to show their opposition to the government's decision.

Vice Chairman of the southern teachers’ association and the chairman of the chairman of the Network Against Education Transfer of Chumporn() province, SAKCHAI SENEEWONG( ศักดิ์ชัย เสนีวงค์ )said that the association is against the Cabinet resolution, however, the movement of the protest will be not cause any destructive where every school will put up the protest sign in front of their schools and teachers have been asked to wear yellow shirt as a sign of protest without causing any disturbance to teaching.

He gave the reason for the disagreement that Ministry of Education should be responsible for developing education systems and believes that the Ministry has efficiency in providing good education system and qualified teachers.

He said if the government denies helping the teachers, they would work together with the teachers’ network against education transfer from across the nation in submitting the protest document together gathering 200,000 signatures for amendment to the law.

As for stop teaching classes, he added that such action would be the last resort to pressure the government to rescind its decision on the matter.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 November 2005

[Jai Dee]

THE EDUCATION MINISTRY WILL SUBMIT AN AMENDED REGULATION ON SCHOOL TRANSFERS TO THE CABINET TODAY

Education Minister Jaturon Chaisang (จาตุรนต์ ฉายแสง) has signed an amended ministerial regulation concerning transfers of the ministry-run schools to local bodies, and will submit it to the cabinet for approval today.

Assistant to the Education Minister, Mr. Peerapan Palusuk (พีรพันธุ์ พาลุสุข) revealed that Mr. Jaturon has signed an amended regulation on evaluation of the local bodies’ preparedness in managing basic education, adding that it will be submitted to the cabinet for consideration today. He said that the regulation was changed in accordance to the cabinet resolution last week, which said that school board members, executives, and the teachers must agree to the transfer before it becomes effective. He said that the clause on the time period for the transfer, the amended regulation requires that the teachers’ network must submit their agreement to the transfer 120 days prior to the start of a new semester.

Mr. Peerapan commented on demands for changes in the Decentralization Act that it is not within the power of the Education Ministry.

Meanwhile, the president of opposition groups protesting the school transfer, Kampan Pongpan (คำพันธ์ ป้องปาน) revealed that the protestors will listen to the cabinet resolution today whether the government will amend the Decentralization Act. He said that if the government fails to take action, the teachers’ network will organize a meeting on November 16, to plan strategies for massive gatherings on November 19. He said the protest could comprise more than 100,000 teachers from across the country, or a protest of 20,000 teachers in Bangkok and 100,000 more nationwide, including in Chiang Mai, the Prime Minister’s home town.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 November 2005

[Jai Dee]

GOVERNMENT WHIP: THE TEACHERS SHOULD NOT HAVE SHAVED THEIR HEADS TO PROTEST THE TRANSFER OF SCHOOLS

Government whip Wattana Sengpairoh (วัฒนา เซ่งไพเราะ) has expressed his opinion that it was inappropriate for teachers to shave their head and cutting themselves in a sign of protest against the transfer of Education-ministry-run schools. Mr. Wattana said that teachers should not have committed such behaviors, as they are considered unseemly behaviors. He added that if the majority of the teachers disagree with the transfer, directors of Basic Education Offices in each educational zone can collect names of schools and teachers who disagree with the transfer and submit them to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat (ทักษิณ ชินวัตร) at the Government House. He said that the government is ready to amend the legislation if all parties demand.

The Government whip also questioned why the teachers did not stage their protests since the drafting of the legislation since 1999 when the Democrat party was still in power, as there were no teacher representatives in the drafting process.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 November 2005

[Jai Dee]

THE CAUSE OF TRANSFER OF GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS TO LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANISATIONS PROBLEM IS DUE TO PAST MISTAKES

Deputy Prime Minister WISSANU KRUA-NGAM (วิษณุ เครืองาม) spoke about the situation where a number of teachers disagree with the government’s plan to transfer schools to the supervision of local administrative authorities. He said that the actual cause of the chaotic situation originates from past mistakes.

He said that such plan had been implemented about 30 years ago, and it was unsuccessful. Thus, many teachers were eventually transferred back to their original affiliations.

In the past, leaders of local administrative authorities were provincial governors who would deal with most issues in the areas. However in the present, provincial governors and leaders of local administrative authorities are two different personnel.

However, Mr. WISSANU said that Prime Minister THAKSIN SHINAWATRA has reiterated that such decision would be done on a voluntary basis.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 November 2005

[Jai Dee]

TEACHERS IN UBONRATCHATHANI THIS MORNING PROTESTED THE EDUCATION TRANSFER

Another demonstration concerning the transfer of education administration took place yet again, in which teachers held a protest rally in Ubonratchathani Province today.

This morning, teachers from Ubonratchathani's Education Area 4 assembled in front of the Education Area 4 Office and announced their intention of not complying with the government's plan to transfer them to be under the jurisdiction of a local administrative organization. The teachers also asked the government to call off the Education Ministry's law, which specified the criteria for administration of educational affairs by the local administrative bodies within 30 days.

The teachers said they will follow up on today's Cabinet meeting session to see how the Cabinet's resolution would be. The group said a large-scale gathering will be held on November 19th if the Cabinet meeting did not yield a satisfactory result. The demonstrators then dissolved and returned to teaching.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 November 2005

[Jai Dee]

DEMOCRATS URGE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW THE EDUCATION MINISTRY'S REGULATION ON TRANSFERS

A Democrat party’s working group on education has urged the government to review the Education Ministry’s regulation on transferring of educational institutes to local administrative bodies.

Democrat MP representing Nakhonsritammarat (นครศรีธรรมราช) Shinnaworn Bunyakiet (ชินวรณ์ บุณยเกียรติ) commented on the cabinet resolution which allowed the Education Ministry to issue a regulation on transfers of schools within 120 days, leading to schism among related parties. He said that the government’s declaration to manage educational system on a voluntary-basis will cause problems in the future, as the committee charged with the management are from different groups, with different interests.

Mr. Shinnaworn also urged the government to clarify laws on educational reforms, as this piece of law carries many issues related to financial matter, adding that the law should be submitted to the Premier for approval.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 November 2005

[Jai Dee]

School transfer conflict resolved, teachers call off planned protest

BANGKOK, Nov 18 (TNA) - Satisfied with the promise that law will be amended to make school transfers voluntary instead of compulsory, teachers have agreed to end their threatened protest, earlier scheduled for Nov 29.

Speaking after a meeting with nine teachers representing various unions across the country, MP Pongpol Adireksan from the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT) said the meeting agreed that one particular section of the law will be amended so that schools can opt whether they want to remain under the Education Ministry or be transferred to be under the supervision of local administrative bodies.

The proposed amendment will be presented at the TRT party meeting Nov 22. Following endorsement, it will be forwarded to House Speaker Bhokin Balakula the next day to be included on the agenda of the current session of Parliament, said Mr. Pongpol.

Khampan Pongpan, President of the Teachers' Network Against School Transfer, said the teachers unions are satisfied with the agreement and are placing their hopes on the TRT ensuring the amendment will be finalised in this parliamentary session.

"Though no one can say for sure if the amendment will be completed in time, the government will try its best to complete this business," Mr.Khampan said. (TNA)-E007

[torgate]

tywais

Why is it that some people think extending contract dates in Thailand shows importance of need and lack of knowledge that schools sometimes make promises they can't keep linking honest smiles with work permits, future improvements, minimum wages, minimum number of hours along with maximum amount of kids to teach in your class.

The teachers and managers are never "deliberately" dishonest. Any teaching position is volatile, trust and respect is shown and given by yourself and the managers you serve. If I were to teach here, I would have a backup plan as its only print on paper, worthless in Thailand, as is a diploma from some stall or internet site.

Teaching relationship's in Thailand will always be based on money and happiness due to the culture stigma here. success of the Thai student is finalized in money not in how much the students learn, if your that good the system is profitable to hold you, relapse and you have a lot of unhappy kids reporting back to a loss making manager who will not give a ###### about contract dates over money the kids are happy to spend on books, pens, copied disc's, private lessons, food etc, owned by the manager.plc..

A good teacher is born to teach and will understand the meaning of self importance.

[Jai Dee]

DRAFT AMENDMENT ON POWER DECENTRALIZATION ACT SUBMITTED TO PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT

Thai Rak Thai MPs and teachers’ network opposing the transfer of public schools to local administrative bodies have agreed to amend Article 30 of the Power Decentralization Act, as the draft law is expected to enter the House readings next week. Buriram MP Prakit Poladej (ประกิจ พลเดช) from Thai Rak Thai party, as a member of a committee tasked with solving the deadlock, said that the working group has already submitted the draft law to the government whip, who have approved the draft law. He said the draft law will be passed on to the Parliament president, who has decided to make it parliamentary agenda on November 30.

Mr. Prakit said that the committee wanted to see the draft law pass all three readings, but whether that will happen depends on the atmosphere during the parliament sessions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 November 2005

[zzap]

The (often correct) assumption is that the average westerner has a higher level of general knowledge and better command of the English language. Of course this does not make them better teachers, but it shows how desperatly Thailand needs to improve its teaching standards.

The new legislation does appear to have an adverse effect on the situation.

Is it back to 'traditional values', once again, with an antiquated, underfunded education system wich will keep most people from becoming informed, empowered citizens?

[griser]

As my Dad often said.... You always get what you pay for!

As far as i'm concerned the Thai teachers arent much better than the farangs.

Pay the price for quality and you'll get quality

Greg

Hereabouts there's a plague of unqualified and poorly equipped foreigners purporting to be teachers and inflicting themselves on Thai kids. It gets tiring as they query where to obtain fake tertiary diploma's etc.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Jai Dee]

EDUCATION ZONE DIRECTORS HAVE BEEN ASKED TO COMMUNICATE WTIH TEACHERS NATIONWIDE TO GIVE UP PROTESTS ON NOVEMBER 29

The Basic Education Commission has circulated a letter to Directors of Education Zones across the country to reach an understanding with teachers concerning the transfer of schools to local bodies, asking them to stop a rally scheduled for November 29, as there could be intervention from ill-intentioned people and affect education system.

Secretary-general of the Basic Education Commission Pornnipa Limpapayom (พรนิภา ลิมปพยอม) said that the Commission has sent letters to Education Zone offices across the country to emphasize that the Education Ministry has changed its ministerial regulations to respond to the teachers’ demands. She said that now, the school transfers will be based on a voluntary basis and the time frame for the transfer will be 120 days before the semester starts, which is around January 15. He said that the Education Zone offices have been instructed to communicate to the people to stop organizing a rally or other forms of protests on November 29, as it could cause damage for the country and affect the image of teaching profession.

However, the spokesperson of the teachers’ network opposing the transfer Tanarat Somkanae (ธนารัตน์ สมคะเน) said that the rally will continue on November 29, but said that it could be organized to thank the government or oppose the transfer, depending on the government’s stance.

He said that the network is still concerned about the Power Decentralization Act, adding that the teachers want the clause on the school transfers to be stricken out instead of making it voluntary. He said that he will submit the matter to former Education Minister Pongpol Adireksan (ปองพล อดิเรกสาร) today at 3 PM.

He said that the Education Minister, Jaturon Chaisang (จาตุรนต์ ฉายแสง) will be invited to meet representatives of the teachers today.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 November 2005