On May 30, during the third day of the House of Representatives’ debate on the 2026 budget bill, Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha chaired the session.
At 3:45 p.m., Preeda Boonphloeng, a list MP from the Kla Dharma Party, addressed the budget for the Ministry of Education. The ministry was allocated 355.1 billion baht for FY2026—an increase of 14.3 billion baht or 4.2%—ranking third behind the Ministries of Finance and Defense.
Preeda argued that education should top the budget priority list, as human capital development is the key to sustainable progress and global competitiveness. He criticized the 20-billion-baht project to lease tablets for over 600,000 students, spread across eight years (2024–2031), which has yet to commence due to incomplete terms of reference (TOR). Not a single baht from the FY2025 budget has been spent.
He warned that although the project is well-intentioned, the outcomes are concerning. The tablets provided are typically of poor quality and inferior to smartphones most students already use—primarily for entertainment rather than core educational skills like reading, writing, or analytical thinking. Additionally, schools may face higher Wi-Fi and utility costs.
Preeda cited developed countries such as Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, where public and academic consultations revealed strong opposition to similar tablet programs. He proposed cutting the entire budget for the tablet project and redirecting funds to more impactful areas, such as school meals, libraries, or science lab equipment.
He also questioned the effectiveness of the 212-million-baht teacher development program, which he claimed often results in underwhelming outcomes due to inefficient spending on travel, accommodation, and materials. He proposed shifting to a hybrid training model (online + small-group on-site) and establishing academic hubs for real peer-to-peer learning. He suggested cutting 5% of this training budget to enhance flexibility and outcomes.
“Technology is not the solution to every problem. Budgeting should not aim simply to use up funds, but to create real benefits for Thai children. I support budgets that are truly effective but reject those that are unprepared or inefficient,” Preeda concluded.