"Akaranat" explained to Parliament the urgent follow-up on subsidy funds for the 'Section 12 Learning Centers,' preparing to submit a Cabinet proposal covering 11,000 out-of-school children.
On 17 September 2026, during a session of the House of Representatives, Mr. Akaranat Kankittinan, Deputy Minister of Education, was assigned by Mr. Prasert Chantraruangthong, Minister of Education, to respond to a general inquiry from Ms. Nattaya Boonpakdee, party-list MP from the Prachachon Party, regarding the progress of subsidies for basic education expenses at Section 12 learning centers under the National Education Act of 1999.
Mr. Akaranat explained that the Ministry of Education prioritizes creating opportunities for out-of-school learners. The Minister of Education has signed a proposal for per-student subsidies for learning centers organized by individuals, community organizations, private organizations, and professional bodies, which was submitted to Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat on 20 August 2026 and forwarded to the Secretariat of the Cabinet on 25 August 2026.
Mr. Akaranat stated that the proposal covers approximately 11,000 learners from pre-primary to upper secondary levels, with a budget of about 72 million baht annually. This includes five subsidy expense categories at the same rates as public and private educational institutions. The proposal is currently awaiting feedback from the Ministry of Finance, the Budget Bureau, and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
Meanwhile, the National Economic and Social Development Council and the Equitable Education Fund have already provided their feedback. He will closely monitor and expedite the process to ensure the matter proceeds to Cabinet consideration promptly. The Ministry is preparing budget mechanisms and has assigned the Office of the Basic Education Commission to verify learner data to prevent duplicate disbursements. Furthermore, proposals to revise ministerial regulations, research on educational outcomes, and tax benefits will be reviewed for detailed explanation in a separate inquiry response scheduled for 1 October 2026.