Principal Addresses Drama Over Absent Teachers, Insists on Solution

Wat Sai Areerak Municipal School in Ratchaburi Province has been at the center of a controversy surrounding absent teachers. The school’s director, Mr. Pramuan Pruitthikul, has come forward to address the issue and provide insight into the measures being taken to resolve the problem.

The controversy began when a social media post highlighted the case of a teacher who had been absent from work for 60 days, yet continued to receive a lucrative salary. The post sparked widespread criticism and led to an investigation into the matter.

According to Mr. Pramuan, the teacher in question, known as “Master Kor,” was originally a teacher in Bangkok before transferring to Wat Sai Municipal School in 2020. However, Master Kor’s behavior of frequent absence from work led to a transfer order to help in public service at a school in the municipality for a period of 6 months in 2021.

Despite this measure, Master Kor’s behavior continued, with the teacher taking time off from work every week, sometimes for consecutive days. The school used fingerprint scanners to compare staff entry and exit logs, which revealed the extent of Master Kor’s absences.

The school has taken steps to address the issue, including drafting a memorandum to the Photharam municipality and appointing an inquiry committee. A disciplinary investigation committee was set up in July 2024, and the school is currently awaiting the results of the investigation.

Mr. Pramuan emphasized that the school has never neglected the issue and has always tried to find a solution. To mitigate the impact on teaching and student learning, the school has recruited teachers to teach in place of Master Kor.

Master Kor, who is currently a Level 1 Teacher, receives a salary of over 20,000 baht per month. The school’s efforts to address the issue are ongoing, with the goal of finding a resolution that benefits both the school and its students.