Teachers to the mighty

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha pays respect to his old high-school teachers from Wat Nuan Noradit School in Bangkok. The event marks Teachers Day at the Teachers Council of Thailand in Dusit district, Bangkok.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says he has ordered a probe after receiving information that some schools have taught students to “hate” the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Speaking at an event yesterday to mark National Teachers Day at the Teachers Council of Thailand, or Kurusapa, Gen Prayut said officials were checking on the information he had obtained but he did not name the schools.

Only a few schools encouraged students to take a negative view of the council and this may have stemmed from misunderstandings by the teachers, he said.

“But I won’t hold grudges over the issue. I only want people to understand what we’re working to achieve. We are finding ways to reform the country so it can move forward,” he said.

Any ill feelings toward the military should stop. “They shouldn’t pass hatred on to children. They’re innocent,” the premier said.

At the Teachers Day event yesterday, Gen Prayut paid respect to teachers from his old high school — Wat Nuan Noradit School in Bangkok.

Boonma Rattana-ubon, 82, who taught Gen Prayut maths in Mathayom 3, said she was proud to have been the premier’s teacher. The young Prayut always did well in class and was well-behaved.

“But he didn’t talk to many people like he does now,” she said after listening to the prime minister’s speech yesterday.

She said Gen Prayut is working hard for the country. “So please don’t put up three fingers,” Ms Boonma said, referring to the three-finger salute raised in protest by opponents of the coup.

Gen Prayut spoke to several hundred teachers at the event and asked them to produce quality students who will help develop a strong and dynamic nation.

“Education is an important, sustainable asset for all. The world keeps changing and education must keep up,” he said.

He vowed to tackle problems affecting teachers, including debt, excessive extracurricular activities, substandard quality textbooks, and school tea money. The government, he said, will focus more on producing vocational students.