Opposition MPs slam 'SKKR' textbooks as low-quality and substandard; used for nearly 20 years amid allegations of non-transparent procurement
Opposition MPs criticized low-quality, overpriced SKKR textbooks used in Thailand's non-formal education system for nearly two decades, alleging non-transparent procurement and calling for immediate government intervention to address infras
On April 30, 2569 at Parliament, Theerarak Jiratrachachoo and fellow Pheu Thai Party MPs Pavitra Jittakij, Phimkanchan Kiertiwarapakorn, and Napat Jittaphinanthakanta held a press conference regarding the Department of Non-Formal Education's operations and student dropouts from non-formal education systems.
Pavitra displayed SKKR textbooks purchased by the state through the Department of Non-Formal Education, demonstrating that they are low-quality, outdated, and overpriced. The books feature dated content, formatting, covers, and spines, with unclear illustrations. Many books have four-color covers but black-and-white interiors. Prices are reportedly excessive—some subjects range from 100-800 baht, with certain 130-page books priced at over 200 baht and 90-page books at over 300 baht, contrasting with the price-controlled, four-color bond-paper textbooks used by the formal education system (Ministry of Education).
Pavitra noted that SKKR textbooks lack sufficient academic content and exercises that don't reflect real-world situations, as they are reprints of the 2551 (2008) curriculum that have held licenses for over 10 years and continue in use today.
"SKKR is a place of hope, a place for Thailand's future for many lives that fell through the cracks of the formal education system," Pavitra stated. "With AI advancing and transforming the job market, we cannot allow SKKR to be diminished or set backward. We must collectively support and push it forward."
"I want to urge the supervising minister to address this issue. It's becoming suspicious—why are the textbooks in use so poor in quality? You must clarify and ensure transparency and accountability. Don't allow damage to the nation's future. Don't let the state budget waste on outdated, inferior education that cannot genuinely improve people's lives. This is not a small matter: poor textbooks harm students' opportunities, high prices drain the national budget, and non-transparent procurement erodes public trust in Thai education and could cost you your position," she added.
Pavitra also highlighted infrastructure problems in SKKR, noting many facilities on Bangkok's Thonburi side operate from rented private spaces or temples, with maintenance funded through their own efforts. While agreeing that education isn't limited by location, she stressed that learning environment quality affects educational effectiveness.
"I ask the supervising minister if they have the courage to seriously solve this problem, or if they fear something within the ministry or other influences, causing them to turn a blind eye," she said.
Theerarak committed to continuous parliamentary follow-up through consultations and written questions, seeking details on how to resolve the matter, including plans for 2570 (2027), and requesting expedited remedial action.
