"Akkaranan" held a closed-door meeting to resolve the conflict between Putthirangsri Phibun School and the "Tangmo United" football club for more than three hours, allowing seven days to find a resolution and draft a new MOU, emphasizing the priority of the children.
On 13 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Akkaranan Kankittinan, Deputy Minister of Education, along with Ms. Linthiporn Warinwatcharot, Assistant Minister of Education, and Kru Juang Paramee Waichongchareon, advisor to the Deputy Minister, visited Putthirangsri Phibun School in Chachoengsao Province to investigate issues and facts surrounding the school's announcement to cancel the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Putthirangsri Phibun football club, known as "Tangmo United," managed by Mr. Sakol Kliangprasert. Upon arrival, the Deputy Minister facilitated separate discussions, first hearing from parents and club representatives, then listening to opinions from teachers and school staff.
At one point, a representative of the Putthirangsri Phibun football club recounted the history starting when Mr. Sakol left Mon Thong Witthaya School and was reluctant to leave the province because he wanted to continue building a reputation. He coordinated with the current school, whose director initially opposed their presence. The representative then sought support from the abbot of Wat Sothon, who considered the school a 'daughter school' that once had a good reputation but now had low enrollment and needed revitalization. They committed full support and received backing from the private sector to improve the school, with all students paying regular tuition. However, problems arose, including accusations that students were late, performed poorly academically, or lacked focus. On 2 Sept, the director spoke harshly and disrespectfully to students at the flagpole, threatening and intimidating staff and club members. This led to a complaint to the Chachoengsao Secondary Educational Service Area Office (SASA 6), which ordered the director to be temporarily reassigned. The director appealed this order and returned on 26 Sept. On 30 Sept, parents and the club protested again for a formal investigation. On 8-9 Oct, an announcement was made to cancel the MOU. Despite previous talks, no resolution was reached. The club demands the director leave the area due to escalating tensions, including psychological pressure on children and staff with differing views toward the athletes. Coexistence seems difficult as parents feel uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, a parent representative stated they hoped for nothing more than for all parties to work together so that the students and football players at the school could progress harmoniously. The children have struggled to reach this point and do not live like typical children. They have dreams and aspirations for the future, even if not academically strong, aiming to pursue football professionally. All parents feel uneasy.
On the other hand, several teachers at Putthirangsri Phibun School reflected that the director had consulted about the football club's involvement and found the athletes and coaches to be very confident and unwilling to listen when the school raised concerns. The school has over 800 students, with 160 football players. About 700 students reported conflicts over space and tensions among themselves. Concerns were also raised about admissions, which should be based on appropriate scores aligned with the curriculum, including credit transfers. The school coordinates with the club but is unsure why certain students' enrollments were publicized, as standard procedure requires applications and school approval. For example, a student from Rajawinit Bangkaew School living with the club has not yet had their academic records reviewed by the registrar, raising questions about how they are allowed to compete under Putthirangsri Phibun's name.
Additionally, transferring students mid-term requires academic results. Some schools do not follow the curriculum arranged by Putthirangsri Phibun and transfers occur after midterm exams, with missing grades in some subjects like Chinese. Credit transfers or supplementary teaching are possible but complicate matters. The school has not approved these transfers, yet the other party has sent transfer letters with attendance records. Phone calls to the original schools revealed that the club pressured students to come to allow timely competition participation. Social media posts have mentioned the reassigned director with threatening language implying violent retaliation. Such statements from the director's supporters have caused concern among teachers, staff, students, and parents, who have refrained from responding.
After over three hours of discussion with both parties, the Deputy Minister of Education said in an interview that the key priority is the welfare of the children. He acknowledged that he could not provide a solution pleasing to both sides and urged both to take a step back, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing children. He plans to bring the issue back to the Ministry of Education and has asked for about seven days from both parties to review documents and draft a new MOU to continue activities. Another joint meeting will be held, during which they expect a clear conclusion on the new MOU. He noted that he received extensive information and documents with differing opinions from each side.
Regarding whether drafting a new MOU can truly resolve the current conflict, Mr. Akkaranan said they will investigate further as each party holds their own views and opinions. He asked everyone to remain calm, review documents, and discuss matters in a composed manner, understanding that emotions and misunderstandings exist. As a mediator, he will strive to do his best.
When asked if there would be further evaluation if the new MOU fails to heal the rift, the Deputy Minister replied that if everyone puts the children first, the answer will come naturally. However, if everyone prioritizes themselves, there will be no resolution, regardless of how many ministries get involved. He emphasized that all must compromise to keep the children as the ultimate focus, ensuring his visit yields the best outcome for them.
Regarding whether the school situation will be monitored during the seven-day period, Mr. Akkaranan said that if both parties think about the children, they will have sufficient composure to conduct activities. The school must remain a safe space, avoiding any harmful actions that affect the children. If both sides love the children and want them to have educational opportunities and sports activities like football, everyone must be very mindful during this period.