Deputy Education Minister Akkanat Visits Storm-Affected Schools in Sisaket, Emphasizes No Welcome Ceremonies Needed, Launches Peer Mentorship Model
Deputy Education Minister Akkanat visited storm-damaged schools in Sisaket province on May 1, allocating emergency funds for repairs and announcing plans to expand a peer mentorship program nationwide to improve student safety and learning
On May 1, 2025, Deputy Education Minister Akkanat Kan-kittinanth and his team visited Khukhan Witthaya School and Khukhan School in Sisaket province to inspect and encourage schools affected by severe winds, while monitoring the performance of district-level learning promotion centers (Sakr). The visit aimed to address local issues and discuss strategies for improving education in the area.
Akkanat reported that emergency funds had been allocated to repair storm damage at Khukhan Witthaya School before the semester begins, and recommended the school apply for 2027 budget funds to build a replacement classroom building. Additionally, the Education Ministry will provide one vehicle to facilitate transportation for underprivileged students.
At Khukhan School, which serves 3,674 students, officials identified overcrowding in the cafeteria with capacity for only 900 students. Plans are underway to allocate 2027 budget funds for constructing a new cafeteria. Akkanat praised the "Older Students Care for Younger" program, which creates a strong student-led safety network, and plans to expand this model to other Ministry of Education schools nationwide.
Akkanat also announced plans to push for over 4 billion baht in budgets to address teacher shortages, support academic advancement, and modernize outdated 2008 curricula for the digital age. Public libraries will be transformed into co-working spaces to attract contemporary learners.
Stressing his commitment to reducing teacher burden, Akkanat stated: "My field visits don't require special receptions or ceremonies—just a glass of water is enough. Our ministry's core policy is to lighten the load on teachers by eliminating redundant programs so they can focus fully on teaching and professional development. I'm here to listen and find solutions together, because educational opportunities must reach everyone. We will leave no one behind."
