Accra:First paragraph of the news story.
According to Thai News Agency, a committee has been formed to investigate allegations against "Dr. Poon," a Ph.D. teacher associated with the Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC), for defrauding a study exchange program in China. This follows complaints from teachers and parents about the Citizen's Bureau of Education (CIB) being misled into purchasing short-term courses and cultural exchange programs in China.
A group of teachers and parents from several schools reported the issue to the Central Investigation Bureau, presenting evidence to press charges. They claimed to have paid 39,900 baht per person, totaling over 2 million baht, for a short-term summer course in China that never materialized. The alleged victims include 62 parents from 11 schools and 8 teachers, totaling 70 people.
Mr. Prasert Chantharawongthong, the Minister of Education, stated that OBEC, the supervising agency of the implicated "Dr.," is investigating the matter. The individual in question had coordinated with a university and accommodation in China for the program, which failed to take place.
The Secretary-General of OBEC has established a disciplinary committee to investigate the allegations and ascertain the facts within five days. Preliminary findings support the validity of the allegations. The Ministry has committed to taking decisive action to resolve the situation promptly.
The Minister of Education also noted that the "Dr." involved holds a level 8 position as a civil servant within OBEC and has a history of similar misconduct, resulting in previous reprimands and warnings. He emphasized that the project was not a Ministry policy but a personal undertaking. The Ministry will assess the actual damages suffered by the victims to determine compensation.