Education Minister Insists He Never Neglects Duty

[Jai Dee]

EDUCATION MINISTER INSISTED THAT HE NEVER NEGLECTS HIS DUTIES

Education Minister Jaturon Chaisang (จาตุรนต์ ฉายแสง) insisted that he had never neglected his duty, while expressing concerns that the teachers’ use of threats will make transfers of educational management less receptive amongst the public.

The Alliance for Defending the National Education has said that it will file a charge against Mr. Jaturon for negligence, but the Education Minister said that he has never neglected his duties. He said that he is willing to explain to teachers, but he will not do so through the Alliance. He said that the Alliance is losing momentum and is raising issues that will benefit teachers, such as promotion of academic status, which lies in the Commission of teacher officers and educational personnel’s judgment. He warns that the Alliance will tarnish the image of teaching profession if it uses protest to push for its agenda, adding that prolonged protests will diminish their legitimacy.

The Education Minister commented on the public’s growing opposition to the transfers that the national administration is people-centered; therefore the people can voice their opinion or be informed of issues. However, he said that all information must be factual. He commented on reports that some people listening to the demonstrators’ speeches were paid to attend the rally that he would not criticize the action, but he said that appropriateness must be taken into consideration.

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