Bangkok: Preparations are underway to discuss the issue of students from the Student Welfare Fund losing their welfare cards. The Minister of Education revealed that documents are ready to be submitted to the Cabinet regarding the issue of students from the National Education Council (NEC) who are considering resigning or have already resigned, due to not meeting the criteria for the state welfare card. He urged those who have resigned to rejoin the system, emphasizing that education is paramount and the rights of learners must be fully protected.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prasert Chantarawongthong, Minister of Education, gave an interview before the Cabinet meeting regarding the case of students in the non-formal education system under the Department of Learning Extension (DLE) who dropped out because they wanted to receive state welfare benefits. He stated that this matter would be discussed at the Cabinet meeting to determine how to adjust the criteria to assist them.
Students are a group that needs attention because those studying in the vocational education system come from diverse age groups. I discussed this matter with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, during my mission to China. We will likely delve into the details today.
Regarding the students of the National Education Council who previously dropped out, I would like to encourage them to re-enroll. We don't want anyone to drop out of the education system. The government is working on this. I understand your feelings, and we will adjust what can be improved. As for the number of students who have dropped out, we are currently verifying the exact number out of the total 200,000 students at the National Education Council. At the same time, we are working to persuade the students who have dropped out to re-enroll as soon as possible.
Let me reiterate that the Ministry of Education does not want anyone to resign for reasons like this, as education is important. We must protect the rights of those students to return to school. The Ministry of Education has prepared all the necessary information to clarify the matter at today's Cabinet meeting.