Alarm Raised Over Widespread Textbook Shortage Affecting Thai Students
A significant shortage of textbooks is impacting over 2,000 schools across Thailand, leaving students without essential learning materials and teachers without necessary resources. The issue came to light during a Senate session on Monday, where Senator Dr. Premsak voiced serious concerns regarding the delivery timeline for the 2026 academic year.
Dr. Premsak highlighted that textbooks, which were scheduled for delivery by June 3, have yet to reach countless students, even as the academic term commenced on May 15. “These textbooks were due to be delivered on June 3. However, countless students have been left without them, while teachers are lacking necessary teaching materials,” he stated during the session.
Unprecedented Scale of the Problem
Describing the situation as unprecedented in Thailand’s educational history, Dr. Premsak noted that millions of textbooks remain undelivered more than a month into the current semester. He further suggested that while the Minister of Education holds ultimate responsibility for the procurement project, external influences may be at play behind the scenes.
Questions Surrounding Procurement Process
The senator also questioned the transparency of the textbook procurement process, which is managed by the Office of the Welfare Promotion Commission for Teachers and Educational Personnel (Otep). He pointed out that the responsibility for textbook production was transferred from the Teachers’ Council of Thailand to Otep. Subsequently, Otep reportedly appointed external committees to draft procurement terms and oversee the selection of contractors.
Evidence, according to Dr. Premsak, indicates potential irregularities in the bidding process. Some companies, he alleged, may have been awarded contracts despite failing to meet the required financial guarantee stipulations.
Call for Investigation and Ministry Response
Dr. Premsak urged authorities to thoroughly examine whether procurement regulations were adhered to and if any parties received preferential treatment during the bidding process. He called for a comprehensive review to ensure fairness and compliance.
In response, Minister of Education Prasert Jantararuangtong confirmed that the project received approval from relevant committees on March 27, with a budget allocated at 1.4 billion baht. While Otep reported that textbooks had been distributed to all 11 major distributors, the minister acknowledged that distribution delays to individual schools could have occurred. He pledged to verify the reported facts and initiate a full investigation into both the delivery delays and the allegations of procurement impropriety.
Minister Prasert emphasized that the ministry is committed to a thorough inquiry and stressed that no individual is above legal scrutiny. He assured the Senate that the investigation would be comprehensive, addressing all concerns raised.
