Bangkok: The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has taken a significant step by organizing a team of legal experts to assist teachers facing financial allegations related to school lunch expenses. This initiative aims to provide support to educators who find themselves in legal predicaments concerning document signing and financial disbursements.
According to Thai News Agency, Second Lieutenant Thanu Wongchinda, Secretary-General of the Basic Education Commission, announced on July 4, 2025, that a teacher in Kanchanaburi Province sought justice after being accused, alongside a former school director, of improperly signing a document related to lunch expenses. Despite these allegations, the teacher maintains that there was no involvement in any wrongdoing.
The OBEC, in collaboration with the Office of the Primary Educational Service Area, has thoroughly investigated the incident. It was confirmed that no disciplinary actions have been imposed on the teacher in question. To further support educators, OBEC has arranged for legal counsel from the central office to offer advice and gather necessary information, enabling teachers to appeal to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) under Section 99 of the NACC Act B.E. 2561.
The OBEC Secretary-General emphasized the importance of reassessing the roles and responsibilities of teachers, particularly in non-teaching duties such as financial and procurement tasks, which involve legal complexities. OBEC is actively working on enhancing the support system within schools to better align with the core teaching responsibilities and reduce the legal burdens on educators.
'Teachers who perform their duties honestly will not have to face the process alone. The OBEC is ready to stand by and support them in every step so that they can exercise their rights and access justice with confidence,' affirmed the OBEC Secretary-General.