The city administration is preparing a formal announcement to ensure students at its 437 schools face no extra maintenance charges.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing a "Bangkok Free Education, No Extra Charges" policy to ensure students at city-run schools face no hidden fees.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said none of the 437 schools under the BMA collects school maintenance fees from parents, with the policy intended to reduce household expenses and ensure equal access to education.
The BMA Education Department is drafting the policy announcement for formal promulgation, Deputy Director Kosol Singhanat said.
The issue was raised during a meeting attended by Mr Chadchart, Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon and representatives of relevant agencies to discuss problems facing Bangkok's urban poor.
Mr Kosol said the Slum Network had reported that Wat Nong Chok Secondary School, which falls under the Bangkok Secondary Educational Service Area Office 2 of the Office of the Basic Education Commission, still charges maintenance fees. The network said some students had dropped out and failed to obtain educational qualifications because of unpaid fees.
According to Mr Kosol, the BMA's free education policy applies to schools under its jurisdiction, which do not charge school maintenance fees.
The policy provides welfare support and budget allocations covering actual expenses to ensure all children have equal access to education without hidden charges.
Students receive uniforms and school supplies free of charge, as well as food and milk support. The lunch budget has been increased to 25 baht per student.
Students are also covered by accident insurance, including compensation of up to 90,000 baht in cases of death or permanent disability.
Additional benefits include sanitary pads for students in Grades 4-6, textbooks, student development activities and advance budget allocations to help prevent disruptions caused by delays in central budget disbursements.
