Bangkok: The Teachers' Council of Thailand (TCT) has announced its commitment to freeze the prices of school uniforms and supplies in a bid to reduce financial pressure on parents amidst the ongoing energy crisis. The move comes in support of a policy initiative by the Ministry of Education, which aims to offer special discounts of over 50% on essential educational items.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prasert Chantharawongthong, the Minister of Education, has put forth a directive focusing on reducing expenses for parents, students, and the general public as the new school year approaches. The directive is part of a broader strategy to tackle the rising cost of living due to the energy crisis. With this initiative, the Ministry endeavors to ensure uninterrupted access to education for all Thai children by removing financial barriers. The policy encompasses three specific measures, with the Teachers' Council of Thailand tasked with their urgent implementation.
The Minister made it clear that regulations surrounding dress codes or hidden costs should not deter children from continuing their education. To address this, the TCT has been instructed to secure essential school supplies at controlled prices, facilitating direct financial relief for parents. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education is collaborating with other government bodies, such as the Department of Internal Trade and the Ministry of Commerce, to develop comprehensive strategies for reducing living costs, including consumer goods, and ensuring the measures reach every family.
The Office of the Education Council of Thailand (OEC), led by Secretary-General Dr. Peerapan Hemarat, is actively supporting this initiative. The OEC is implementing various measures to help parents and the public lower living costs before the start of the school year. This includes offering over 50% discounts at educational supply stores across all 77 provinces and coordinating with local stores to provide special discounts on essential items.
The Teachers' Welfare Fund offices in each province are also involved, working in conjunction with local committees to ensure fair pricing and discounts for parents. Additionally, collaborative efforts with the Department of Internal Trade aim to offer joint discounts at Blue Flag stores and organize mobile sales units to make educational supplies more accessible.
The Secretary-General of the Teachers' Council of Thailand expressed confidence in the initiative, stating that reducing financial burdens today will help secure educational opportunities for Thai children in the long term. The TCT stands in solidarity with teachers and parents nationwide, ensuring a strong start to the academic year for every child.