Phichit school boss shunted

A school director in Phichit has been transferred to the provincial office over alleged irregularities in the school lunch programme, but says she has no problem with the order.

Phichit governor Weerasak Wichitsaengsri signed an order yesterday instructing Muang Tapan Hin municipality to transfer Supannee Buathong, director of the school in Thessaban Taphan Hin, to work at the provincial office for six months starting today.

The order follows alleged irregularities in the school lunch programme in which delivered ingredients and other items used in cooking the meals did not match the purchase orders. A complaint has been lodged with the provincial anti-corruption agency.

Mr Weerasak has also set up a committee to look into the alleged irregularities

and asked the mayor of Taphan Hin to clarify the issue on two occasions. The mayor has reportedly failed to do so and the committee has yet to hand over its inquiry report.

Ms Supannee maintained her innocence yesterday saying the money spent to feed the 528 students was in line with state regulations and the delivery of goods was examined by a committee.

She said she was not allowed to discuss the case in public despite claiming to have evidence supporting her claims.

However, Ms Supannee said she had no objection to the governor’s transfer order.

Natthawut Songpradit, director of the provincial anti-graft office, said the agency is gathering evidence and 10 witnesses have been interviewed including food suppliers and lunch programme staff.

A source said the information will be sent to a sub-committee in July.