Bangkok: The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has announced that if all relevant parties reach an agreement, the opening of schools can be postponed to May 1st. This decision aims to address concerns over PM2.5 dust levels and align with governmental measures for better air quality management.
According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Col. Thanu Wongchinda, Secretary-General of OBEC, chaired a meeting with senior executives to discuss the directives from Pol. Gen. Phermpoon Chidchob, Minister of Education. The meeting, which included Mrs. Kesthip Suphawanich, Mr. Pattana Pattanathawidon, and Mr. Theer Phawankanan, among others, emphasized the urgent implementation and tracking of educational policies and initiatives. The meeting also addressed aligning the national examination systems, such as RT, NT, and O-NET, with PISA exams to streamline education from primary to secondary levels.
Lt. Col. Thanu highlighted that the meeting also dealt with an incident involving a school director linked to a drug case. While the individual was cleared of involvement, they were asked to resign from government service. The OBEC maintains a strict policy of immediate dismissal and legal action against any educational personnel involved with drugs.
The meeting also focused on the PM2.5 dust situation, with preventive measures already communicated to educational institutions. Schools in areas with dangerous dust levels can be closed, with alternative teaching methods implemented to ensure continuity of education. In Bangkok, 57 schools have been temporarily closed due to the dust, though recent improvements in weather have been noted. The OBEC is preparing plans to adapt teaching methods should dust levels rise again, in line with potential government initiatives like remote working.
Lastly, Lt. Col. Thanu discussed the potential postponement of the school term opening. OBEC is working with relevant agencies to amend regulations, such as age requirements under the Compulsory Education Act, to accommodate a new school calendar. The proposed changes are expected to improve management efficiency in areas like staff transfers and resource allocation. If consensus is reached, the proposal will be urgently submitted to the Minister of Education for approval, in time for the first semester of the 2025 academic year.