'Tea money' row at Government House

[webfact]

‘Tea money’ row at Government House
By The Nation

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Former Pheu Thai Party MP Jirayu Huangsap and the president of the Parents and Teachers Association at Nawamintrachinuthit Satriwittaya 2 School submitted a petition for Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday about the school’s director.

 

They asked the premier to order an investigation into allegations that Banleuchai Phiewsan sought illegal payments of “tea money” and mismanaged the school’s budget. 

 

But they were confronted at Government House’s public service centre by another group from the school who insisted there had been no wrongdoing.

 

Jirayu claimed the PTA president and several parents had complained that tea-money payments of Bt20,000-Bt50,000 had been made and that the school budget was used for personal matters. Jirayu planned to deliver his petition to National Legislative Assembly president Pornphetch Wichitcholchai and Education Minister Gen Surachet Chaiwong.

 

While he was submitting the papers, a group of PTA members led by Wisut Wittapiradee protested, shouting that no tea money had been collected. Fearing a violent clash, officials escorted Wisut outside. 

 

Wisut told reporters the school had established a committee to oversee student enrolment and no tea money was solicited or paid, although parents donated money for teaching materials. 

 

He said the PTA president was acting without the association’s authorisation and the petition might be politically motivated.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30314889

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-05-11

[PatOngo]

I'd like to conduct a survey here, be honest now "Who do you believe?"

[petermik]

7 hours ago, PatOngo said:

I'd like to conduct a survey here, be honest now "Who do you believe?"

Nothing "underhand" happens over here just the odd "misunderstanding" occasionally

[debate101]

I'd be more surprised by a director not taking tea money. I doubt there is one in Thailand who doesn't. Not one.

 

It's less about character than self-survival sometimes. Imagine the parents of a dek sen  big enough come knocking and you refuse their offer. You can probably look forward to kissing your job goodbye.

[BigBadGeordie]

1 hour ago, PatOngo said:

I'd like to conduct a survey here, be honest now "Who do you believe?"

Well could just come straight out and ask the school Director, but I have no doubt he will be away on leave/business/meeting or not available for comment.

 

Also I have no doubt that a defamation suit will soon follow todays protest.

[clockman]

Until patronage, and defamation laws are removed. Thailand will always be corrupt and third world.

[jollyhangmon]

Well, all settled then, no tea money involved  - just 'donations'.

Maybe like an immigration-office asking for 'helping out' by donating for their furniture ... ?! 

[patyh]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Wisut told reporters the school had established a committee to oversee student enrolment and no tea money was solicited or paid, although parents donated money for teaching materials. 

 

There. They just admit it.. 

 

Most Thai people would know. Donation to school = Tea money. 

 

The simple question would be. 

 

Was the child of the parent who donated to the school given a place in the school? 

Were the Child of parent who did not donate to the school given a place? 

 

If the answer is yes and no, then it would be safe to call those donation as Tea Money. 

[GiantFan]

Thai education socks.  My friends kid is very bright and is in final year of HS.  Started taking online college 1 year ago and will be finished in 1 year?

Another friend pulled his 15 yo out and they are doing online as well.

Seems like traditional schools are in trouble.  

Obviously, I would look askance at all Thai college diploma's.

[ratcatcher]

"... tea-money payments of Bt20,000-Bt50,000 ..."

That's enough money to take the entire education department to The Oriental Hotel for afternoon tea and cakes..

 

 

[colinneil]

3 hours ago, debate101 said:

I'd be more surprised by a director not taking tea money. I doubt there is one in Thailand who doesn't. Not one.

 

It's less about character than self-survival sometimes. Imagine the parents of a dek sen  big enough come knocking and you refuse their offer. You can probably look forward to kissing your job goodbye.

 

You are wrong, not every director is crooked.

Though i will say a hell of a lot are.

[Pattaya28]

Great stuff.

 

[TheFishman1]

They all take Tea money remember the big Cop and the Beer company hereTIT

[Lupatria]

Isn't it part of their "culture"?

[Baerboxer]

22 hours ago, patyh said:

 

There. They just admit it.. 

 

Most Thai people would know. Donation to school = Tea money. 

 

The simple question would be. 

 

Was the child of the parent who donated to the school given a place in the school? 

Were the Child of parent who did not donate to the school given a place? 

 

If the answer is yes and no, then it would be safe to call those donation as Tea Money. 

 

The prestigious schools here offer places based on entrance exam selection. It just happens that the brightest and best kids seem to come from wealthy, connected, politically active families who happen to wish to make suitable donations to school funds whilst showing their appreciation to various staff for jobs well done.

 

Thainess. 

[patyh]

1 hour ago, Baerboxer said:

 

The prestigious schools here offer places based on entrance exam selection. It just happens that the brightest and best kids seem to come from wealthy, connected, politically active families who happen to wish to make suitable donations to school funds whilst showing their appreciation to various staff for jobs well done.

 

Thainess. 

 

Of course.. Strange eh? For the parent to suddenly have an urge to donate to the school when their kids are about to enter the school, breaks the school rules etc.. 

 

 

[worgeordie]

"although parents donated money for teaching materials." 
and this was free and voluntary, and the school can prove

the money was all spent on teaching materials,so what 

where the actual school fees for.

regards worgeordie

[pentap]

What a surprise! Not.

[KBsinter]

It will never end,it is what it is,a shame really!!especially for the poor bright children..........