Sudden transfer of 40 education area directors; the OBEC Secretary will provide explanations tomorrow. Those transferred are appealing for a review and consideration based on appropriateness and suitability rather than forced moves due to administrative orders.
Following reports by Thairath Online’s special news team about complaints concerning orders from the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) regarding transfers and appointments,of 40 education area directors,the documents state that these changes take effect from 27 July 2026. The order requires teachers and education personnel holding director positions in education service areas to be transferred and appointed to director positions in new education service areas, totaling 40 individuals.
Complainants say these transfers were sudden, with none of the 40 officials informed beforehand. This move occurs before the usual annual transfer season in October and was made without seeking consent, leaving those affected no time to manage personal affairs in their current locations. It may also impact career advancement, raising questions about possible political interference in the transfers ahead of the regular season.
On 30 July 2026, Thairath Online’s special news team interviewed Mr. Prasert Chantraruangthong, Minister of Education, who explained that although there is an order transferring 40 education area directors, he has not yet seen any official objections to the order. Normally, transfers specify desired locations or are made for the benefit of the government. Details should be clarified with the Secretary-General of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC).
The team then contacted Mr. Pichet Phoophakdee, Secretary-General of OBEC, for clarification. Mr. Pichet assured transparency in issuing the orders and scheduled a meeting with the news team to explain the facts further tomorrow, 31 July 2026, at the Ministry of Education.
One of the transferred education area directors among the 40 told Thairath Online’s special news team that traditionally, transfers follow certain procedures:
1. Individuals express their preferences regarding the areas they wish to be transferred to, as working in a chosen area boosts morale. The preferences of those being transferred are important in administration.
2. Applicants must submit their work history and achievements because evaluations of knowledge and experience are criteria. When multiple areas compete for transfers, they review indicators like experience and achievements. However, this transfer was done without prior notice, no consent was sought, no evaluations were made, and no criteria were applied. The only justification given was suitability or government benefit, which is an abstract concept that cannot be objectively proven or measured.
As for impacts, there are ongoing projects in the current education areas that cannot proceed without approval. If new directors do not support these projects aligned with policy, they may be discontinued, disrupting continuity.
A major issue is the evaluation of salary increments for teachers in seven areas and for administrators, as well as screening for further transfers. Transferred directors must assess salary increases and transfers in new areas without sufficient evaluation data, yet these assessments must be completed by September, covering the entire year’s performance. This approach compromises the effectiveness of evaluating educational personnel.
This transfer has more negative than positive effects. Although only three positions were vacant, 40 transfers were made. This raises concerns about why off-season transfers are necessary, something unprecedented, and there is no explanation of any wrongdoing. Many transferred individuals had endured hardships and returned to their hometowns, often being senior staff, but they were moved far away and replaced by less senior personnel.
If possible, the order should be reviewed to allow each person to return to their previous posts. OBEC should establish a review committee to carefully reconsider transfers, and during the regular transfer season, transfers should be made properly with accurate evaluations of qualifications and indicators. Whatever the final decision, everyone can accept it, but a review now would be the best solution.
Fairly, by September, everyone should submit transfer requests based on criteria, and accept the results. Currently, no one has submitted requests, so forcing transfers without consent is unfair compared to previous practices.
“I believe supervisors have administrative reasons, but if they listen to our concerns with understanding and show fairness by stepping back on this issue, we can move forward together with strength,” the director said.
Another transferred education area director commented that education work cannot be effectively done with transfers every two months. Implementing OBEC policies requires time, and morale and career advancement are important factors.
He urged management to consider appropriateness and morale when transferring personnel. Frequent transfers are not beneficial to the country and negatively affect educational work more than they help.