Ministry lays out what state schools can and cannot solicit from parents

State schools cannot ask parents for more than Bt2,000 in extra fees this year, the government says.

This should cover extra-curricular activities taught by special personnel or requiring special materials or technologies, Education Minister Somchai Wong-sawat says.

The regulation cites 13 things schools cannot ask parents for money for, including student IDs, sports equipment and office supplies.

Qualifications

Schools can solicit money from parents in three areas. Tutors for special proficiencies such as English in primary to lower-secondary levels qualify for Bt35,000 a school each year. In higher secondary this rises to Bt40,000 a year. For a "mini English programme", schools can collect Bt17,500 a year in primary to lower-secondary levels and Bt20,000 at higher secondary.

Expenses for "educational development", including computer classes, Internet hours and foreign teachers qualify for up to Bt2,000 per pupil per term. Field trips can be charged at cost.

Expenses for specialist teachers and air-conditioning are optional for parents.

Student welfare, insurance and health checks are also optional as are charges for boarders, dormitories and laundry.

Since the government fails to fully cover all schools for infrastructure and teacher expenses, the minister says those with a shortfall can raise funds from parents. Parents and students must be given an option to be involved in activities that will cost extra.

Fund raising must also be reported to the ministry, Somchai says.