Bowing to pressure in opposition to its controversial plan to merge several small schools, the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) has vowed to keep 49 small schools open.
Obec secretary-general Chinnapat Bhumirat said these 49 schools were considered to be exceptions since they promote “participation-based management.” This means that both residents and officials can jointly manage the schools.
The announcement was made after Obec officials investigated the 49 schools, which were proposed by the Thai Alternative Education Council Association. Obec still insists that it is moving forward with its plan to close several other small schools with sub par teaching standards, the Bangkok Post reported.
