Paramee Waichongcharoen, a dedicated list-MP from the Move Forward Party (MFP), has been tirelessly advocating for the urgent need for increased educational funding. With determination in her voice, she brought this critical issue to light during the recent debate on the 2025 fiscal budget bill in the House of Representatives.
According to a freshly published report by the Equitable Education Fund (EEF), a staggering 1.02 million children have either dropped out of school or chosen not to pursue further education due to crippling poverty. Paramee highlights an alarming trend: another 3 million students from impoverished backgrounds are teetering on the brink of leaving the education system. Shockingly, only about 2 million of them have managed to secure state funds meant to support their schooling. The remainder are perilously close to saying goodbye to their educational dreams.
Paramee, who once shaped minds as a teacher before stepping into the political arena, is passionately advocating for these students. “Last year, 12.45% of students from extremely poor families opted out of continuing their education at the university level after high school,” she noted during her impassioned speech. Paramee’s voice brimmed with concern as she pointed out the stark contrast between the government’s promises and its actions. Despite earlier commitments to swiftly address educational disparities, the government appears to be underfunding organizations striving to bridge these gaps.
The Student Loan Fund (SLF) serves as a glaring example of this funding crisis. The SLF, which has been grappling with liquidity issues for the first time in a decade, requested a subsidy of 19 billion baht for the 2024 fiscal year. However, the government allocated a mere 800 million baht. For the upcoming fiscal year 2025, the SLF sought 5 billion baht in funding, but the government’s response has been less than accommodating.
Paramee’s plea is simple but heartfelt: make basic education free of charge. She emphasized that students and their families should no longer bear the burden of educational expenses. She pointed out that Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat had mentioned the availability of funds that could be redirected to support the SLF if necessary. This statement fuelled Paramee’s insistence that the government has the means to act and must do so without delay.
The SLF’s cash-flow problem, Paramee explained, can be traced back to an earlier amendment to the SLF Act. This amendment significantly reduced the default interest rate from a hefty 18% to a mere 0.5%. As a consequence, the SLF had to borrow additional funds to reimburse borrowers who had already overpaid. The outstanding amount owed to these borrowers still hovers around 1 billion baht.
Paramee’s advocacy stands as a beacon of hope for millions of students at risk of abandoning their education. Her call for increased funding and free basic education echoes the dreams and aspirations of countless young minds. The government, she insists, must step up and fulfill its promises, ensuring a brighter future for the nation’s youth.
Paramee is absolutely right! Education should be free for everyone.
But where’s the money going to come from? The government can’t just print cash.
John, aren’t there other ways to allocate existing funds more effectively?
Exactly, Eleanor! Reallocating funds from less critical areas could be a start.
Free education for all is a pipe dream. We need to focus on targeted support.
Reducing the interest rates for student loans was a necessary step. The SLF should receive full support.
Necessary step? Are you kidding? It just created more problems!
Tom, reducing the burden on students allows them to focus on their education rather than their debt.
Too bad it led to funding issues. Now the SLF is almost broke!
Paramee’s efforts are commendable, but there’s more to it than just funding. We need systemic change.
Is this really the government’s fault? Where’s personal responsibility in all this?
Yes, Jerry. Because 6-year-olds are responsible for their family’s poverty.
The low interest rates are good, but what’s the use if the funds dry up?
Increasing educational access is crucial. It’s an investment in our future workforce.
Sure, but how do we keep that workforce here if they can’t afford to live?
Paramee should run for prime minister! We need her kind of leadership.
A dreamer leading the country? No thanks.
What about vocational training? Not everyone needs to go to university.
True, MarkD, but everyone should have the option if they want to.
Education should be diverse. We need more options, not fewer.
Education isn’t the only thing that needs funding. Healthcare, infrastructure, etc. also need attention.
True, but education is the foundation of everything else.
500 million baht is pocket change for the government. They should be ashamed!
Brandon, it’s not that simple. Budgets are based on priorities and constraints.
Then let’s make education a priority for once!
It’s all just talk until the government makes real commitments with actionable plans.
I agree. We need to see some actual legislation, not just debates.
I don’t understand how denying education to kids because they’re poor makes any sense. It’s like shooting ourselves in the foot.
Why do we need free education? People should pay for what they get!
So many kids dropping out is a disaster. We need immediate action!
Agreed, Molly. But rushing into poorly thought-out plans can make things worse.
Paramee’s passion is inspiring. We need more politicians like her.
Inspiring, yes. Effective, not so sure.
The government’s allocation for SLF is pathetic. 800 million vs 19 billion requested? A joke.