Bt40-million energy fund to boost distance learning at remote schools

Launched 21 years ago, the royal-initiated programme is transmitted from Wang Klaikangwon in Hua Hin via 13 satellite channels to about 3,000 schools in remote provinces. However, about 10 per cent, or some 300 schools, have no access to electricity and cannot use the satellite and TV equipment provided.
The ENCON Fund responded by allocating Bt40 million to OBEC to fund a project to install solar systems at the remote schools under Wang Klaikangwon School’s network.
Twarath Sutabutr, director-general of the Energy Policy and Planning Office and spokesman of the Energy Ministry, said about 32 schools were targeted to be equipped with the solar systems during |the first year of this scheme, including 
“The ENCON Fund has realised the importance of education, especially long-distance learning via satellite, which has become an important and effective tool to help eradicate education inequality,” he said. 
“Every student will be able to learn and attain knowledge in support of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s life-long learning and self-sufficiency philosophy, as well as enhancing the education quality of Thai students and citizens.”
Ekarat Engineering won the contract against two other bidders to supply a five-kilowatt solar-power system to each of the chosen schools under a contest held earlier by OBEC. A teacher at Baan Sai Ngam School in Pai, Mae Hong Son province, which had the solar system installed last month, said his students enjoyed learning through the TV box, or what is widely known as “Kru Dtoo”.
The teacher said it also helped relieve the heavy workloads of teachers. Baan Sai Ngam School has to merge some classes, since it has only five teachers. 
It serves kindergarten to Grade 6 students.
The solar system includes a set of 36 deep-cycle batteries priced at around Bt5,000-Bt6,000 each, which need to be replaced every two years.