Municipality Defends School Lunch Program After Online Criticism
Wat Pradu Subdistrict Municipality defended its school lunch program after online criticism of meal quality, clarifying that disputed photos were taken after students had already eaten and could request seconds.
On August 14, the Strong Against Corruption Club's Suratthani Facebook page posted images of lunch served at Wat Pradu Subdistrict Municipality School 1, criticizing the meal quality. The post noted that kindergarten children were served spicy curry they could not eat, with menus alternating between small fried chicken pieces with sauce, boiled eggs cut into quarters, half fried eggs, and noodles with beans on different days.
Wat Pradu Subdistrict Municipality responded with a statement clarifying that the photographs were genuine images from the school lunch program taken on May 26 and 28, and July 9-10 and 14, 2024, but were captured after students had already eaten and after requesting additional servings. The municipality confirmed that the school operates a monthly lunch program following the Thai School Lunch guidelines with nutritionally balanced meals, provides adequate portions, and allows students to request seconds without restriction.
The municipality stated that menus are announced five days in advance to contractors and shared with parents via the school's Facebook page. A meal inspection committee including external members has been appointed to oversee the program. The municipality said it will conduct further fact-checking and report findings to supervisory authorities.
