Deputy Education Minister Akkhananth Rush to Revise Cafeteria Budget for Tha Li Withaya School After 30 Years of Waiting
Deputy Education Minister Akkhananth pledged to expedite budget approval for cafeteria improvements at Tha Li Withaya School in Loei Province, which has waited 30 years for proper dining facilities to serve over 900 students and staff.
On May 9, Deputy Education Minister Akkhananth Kankit, accompanied by Linthipon Vrinvatchrojan and Parami Waichongcherun of his working group, traveled to Loei Province to inspect and address educational facilities affected by recent disasters and structural deterioration. The delegation was received by Loei Provincial Governor Chaipat Saruenpong and local education officials at Ban Na Kho School in Pak Chom District and Ban Rai Suksan School in Phu Luang District.
Akkhananth reported that Ban Na Kho School suffered severe storm damage, with normal budget procedures requiring 16 months for repairs—an unacceptable timeline that would leave students without adequate facilities. He pledged to expedite emergency budget allocation to provide immediate relief. During his visit, he also held a working meal at the school cafeteria and heard concerns from two other institutions: Ban Mai School, which needs cafeteria improvements, and Tha Li Withaya School, the area's only secondary institution, which has lacked a proper cafeteria for 30 years.
Tha Li Withaya School currently uses temporary space beneath its main building, accommodating only 200 students when the school has over 900 staff and students combined. Akkhananth committed to streamlining budget approval procedures. At Ban Rai Suksan School, he inspected wooden structures damaged by termite infestation, which pose safety risks. The Ministry of Education has allocated funds to replace these structures with durable materials to eliminate recurring maintenance problems.
"The Minister of Education has authorized me to assess conditions faced by students and educators in the field so the ministry can allocate appropriate budgets," Akkhananth stated. "Most importantly, students and teachers need safe facilities ready before the school term begins. Repairs must be done properly and permanently to resolve problems long-term, eliminating the need for repeated maintenance. This ensures efficient use of government budget and timely assistance to the public."
