Education Minister Gives 7 Days to Resolve School-Football Club Dispute

Assistant Education Minister Akkanan KanKitthinan held a three‑hour meeting to clear up the conflict between Phutthirangsipibul School and the Watermelon United football club, giving both sides seven days to reach an agreement and draft a new memorandum of understanding, stressing that children’s interests must come first. On October 13, 2026, Akkanan, along with Assistant Minister Linthiphon Warinwacharoj and advisor Chuang Parami Wijongjeroen, visited the school in Chachoengsao province to examine the issue after the school announced it was terminating its MOU with the club, led by Sakon Kleangprasert. Upon arrival, the minister held separate talks with parents and club representatives, then with teachers and staff. Club representatives explained that the initiative began when teacher Sakon left Montong Wittaya School and wanted to stay in the province to build the school’s reputation, receiving private‑sector support and pledging to develop the school while parents pay normal tuition fees.

However, problems have persisted, with the school principal accusing students of tardiness, poor attitude toward studies, and lack of effort. On September 2, the principal addressed students at the flag‑raising ceremony with harsh, rude, challenging and threatening language, showing no respect for the club’s staff, prompting a complaint to the Chachoengsao Secondary Education Office (SPEO 6). The office ordered the principal to assist elsewhere, which he appealed as lawful and returned to the school on September 26. On September 30, parents and the club filed another objection, demanding an investigation committee, and on October 8‑9 they issued a statement canceling the MOU.

Club representatives said they want the principal removed before any further violence occurs, arguing that the tension stems from the principal’s attempts to provoke people, not from their side. They noted that the situation has escalated to psychological pressure on students and staff whose views differ from the athletes, making coexistence difficult and leaving parents feeling uneasy.

Parent representatives said they simply want the students and athletes to be able to study and play together harmoniously, hoping their children can continue their education and football development at the school. They emphasized that reaching this point has been hard for the children, who do not live ordinary lives, and that even if they are not academically strong, they aspire to use football as a future career. All parents expressed feeling uncomfortable.

Several teachers at Phutthirangsipibul School said the principal had consulted them about the club’s involvement and found him overconfident in both players and coaches, refusing to listen to the school’s input. The school has over 800 students, with about 160 football players, while the remaining 700+ students feel there is competition for space and growing resentment. They also mentioned issues in the student admissions process.