Prasert revealed that the Ministry of Education has introduced measures to help reduce expenses for the new school term. Students can reuse their uniforms, bags, and shoes even if they transfer schools. Full uniform purchases for Scouts and Guides are not mandatory. A letter will soon be issued to schools nationwide.
At 09:50 on 5 May 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Prasert Chantraruangthong, Minister of Education, said at the Government House that in May, schools are about to reopen. This is the time when parents must prepare to send their children to school. The Ministry of Education has introduced measures to help parents prepare before the term starts, focusing on reducing essential living costs. Especially during this period of high fuel prices.
Mr. Prasert added that many have asked about student uniforms and Scout-Guide uniforms, and what the policy will be. Regarding student uniforms, there is a concession allowing the use of existing uniforms even when advancing grades or transferring schools. For Scout and Guide uniforms, full purchases are not mandatory; scarves and hats can be worn together with regular school or physical education uniforms. Similarly, bags and shoes can be reused even if students change schools.
Additionally, other unnecessary expenses, such as library fees and club membership fees, can be reduced. School principals are authorized to implement necessary measures appropriate to each context. The Ministry of Education will instruct related agencies, such as the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC), and vocational education offices, to issue official letters to relevant agencies and schools to provide clear guidance for implementation.