Activist eyes court action over 'tea money' move

An activist yesterday vowed to take Education Minister Suchart Tadathamrongvej before the Administrative Court and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) over his controversial move to legalise the acceptance of “tea money” by famous schools.
Building Thailand Club president Amnuay Sunthornchote demanded that Suchart declare his decision to abandon his donation-for-school-seat policy within three days.
“If not, I will lodge a complaint against him with the Administrative Court next week. I will also complain to the NACC to ensure he faces criminal action, too,” Amnuay said.
He said Suchart’s policy would encourage discrimination against people on the basis of financial status.
“The policy will also destroy good values in Thai society. If the policy is implemented, rich children will grow up feeling that money can buy everything while cash-strapped children will feel inferior and unfairly treated,” he added.
He said complaints would also be filed against Chinnapat Bhumirat, secretary-general of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec).
“I will sue all schools that implement the donation-for-school-seat policy as well,” Amnuay said.
On Monday, Suchart drew immediate criticism after he issued a policy for famous schools to accept donations transparently from parents, and in return recruit their children.
Despite criticism, the education minister yesterday stood by his decision and lashed back at his critics.
“The critics just don’t accept the reality,” he said. He pointed out that children do not really have equal educational opportunities anyway, because children of the well-off are able to go to quality institutions such as well-equipped international schools, while those from poor families do not have that opportunity.
“We must accept the fact that state subsidies for schools are not adequate for the delivery of quality educational services. Therefore, we must allow the schools to accept donations. The donations will be accepted transparently and spent for the benefit of all students. The donations are not bribes,” he insisted.
In his opinion, donations by willing well-to-do parents would benefit schools and all of their students, including those from cash-strapped families.
Suchart said the number of school seats would be increased to accommodate donors’ children, without any adverse impact on those children whose parents did not volunteer financial contributions.
Chinnapat said Suchart’s policy could be implemented under Obec regulations, such as the one governing special classrooms, which allow the collection of high tuition fees.
However, Satri Wittaya School director Jamnong Jamjanwong said she was very cautious about the latest admission policy. She said she would seek approval from the school’s board and the board of the local Educational Service Area Office before implementing it.
“We will need to inform parents in advance, too,” she said, adding that any rush might lead to problems.