Bangkok: The Ministry of Education has announced measures to help parents reduce back-to-school expenses, emphasizing that students can continue using their old school uniforms and that the Boy Scout uniform will not be abolished.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prasert Chantharawongthong, Minister of Education, revealed that during May, as schools near the start of the new term, parents will be preparing their children for school. The Ministry of Education has implemented measures to help parents prepare before the start of the term, including measures to reduce essential living costs, especially in this era of high fuel prices. Regarding school uniforms, parents will be allowed to reuse their old uniforms even if their child advances to a higher grade or changes schools. Similarly, the Scout/Girl Scout uniform is not mandatory; parents can use the same scarf and hat with their school or PE uniform. Likewise, students can reuse their old bags and shoes even if they change schools.
Furthermore, other unnecessary expenses, such as library maintenance fees and club membership fees, can also be reduced. School principals are empowered to implement necessary measures appropriate to the context of each matter. The Ministry of Education will instruct relevant agencies such as the Office of Basic Education (OBEC), the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC), and vocational education to issue guidelines to relevant departments and schools for clear implementation.
Regarding the exemption from the requirement for Scout uniforms, this has not been abolished. However, the full procurement process no longer needs to be completed. It's an exemption allowing the use of scarves and hats with school uniforms and PE uniforms, with the exception of the Honor Guard Scouts, who must purchase full ceremonial attire. This doesn't require amending the law or informing the Cabinet; it's simply an internal circular within the ministry to relevant agencies, including schools under the Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC), vocational schools, and private schools. This is an internal administrative matter within the ministry, with authority delegated to school principals to act as appropriate. If a school fails to respond to this request for cooperation and complaints arise, they will be held responsible, as the ministry has already issued this policy.