Prasert confirmed that the Office of the Private Education Commission already oversees Ponoh schools. He revealed that today he is joining Prime Minister Anutin’s delegation visiting the three southern border provinces, hoping to use this opportunity to build understanding and to plan for raising education standards in the area.
At 07:40 on 17 April 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Prasert Chantraruangthong, Minister of Education, gave an interview at Air Force Base 2, Wing 6, Bangkok before joining the Prime Minister’s delegation to the southern border provinces, regarding the Southern Private Schools Federation’s demand to remove the Fourth Army Commander from the southern border area over allegations that Ponoh and Tadika schools are breeding grounds for violence. He said he does not want to consider Ponoh schools as a problem. They are private schools teaching religious subjects, which are currently under scrutiny. These schools fall under the supervision of the Private Education Promotion Committee, which has historically been overseen by the Ministry of Education. A joint committee has been established, especially in the three southern provinces and neighboring areas, including the provincial and district offices of the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC), responsible for supervising these schools.
. Today, he is accompanying the Prime Minister to observe the current situation and to foster understanding between schools. Taking advantage of his recent appointment as Minister of Education, he will visit the three southern border provinces to see how the ministry can support education, raise standards, and address related issues.
Regarding whether schools dissatisfied with security forces require dialogue, Prasert said it is a matter of building understanding. The Ministry of Education has consistently coordinated with the provinces, where governors have authority to manage private education. The ministry’s OPEC offices at district and provincial levels operate under this framework, and beyond that, the governor integrates efforts to resolve issues. Today’s visit aims to identify any concerns.