Cabinet backs 8.99 billion baht EEF budget plan to narrow education gap
Cabinet backs 8.99 billion baht EEF budget plan to narrow education gap — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.
Thailand’s Cabinet on April 28 approved an 8.99 billion baht budget plan for the Equitable Education Fund, or EEF, for fiscal 2027, advancing a nationwide effort to reduce education inequality that also affects families in Phuket. Government officials said the plan will support more than 1.3 million children from poor households and prepare a detailed funding request for submission to the Budget Bureau.
The largest allocation, 6,794.23 million baht, is earmarked for education and learning support from early childhood through compulsory schooling. That includes conditional grants of 4,200 baht per person per year for extremely poor students from kindergarten to lower secondary level.
Five-part budget plan sets spending priorities
A second program will receive 633.33 million baht to develop teachers, learning management units and flexible education models, with a focus that includes teacher production and development systems for schools in remote areas.
A third allocation of 818.80 million baht is intended to strengthen cooperation among partner networks, promote area-based education innovation and expand the role of local authorities in delivering quality education for children, young people and vulnerable groups.
The fourth program carries 337.20 million baht for knowledge development, research, innovation and public communication. Officials said that funding will support integrated information systems and research used to guide EEF operations.
A fifth allocation of 414.93 million baht will go to EEF administration and organizational development to improve internal management and coordination with partner agencies.
Officials say plan targets access, continuity and flexible learning
Government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said the package is designed to improve equal access to education and reduce barriers both inside and outside the formal school system.
She said the plan also aims to identify deprived children more accurately so assistance can be delivered continuously, while expanding flexible learning models and building an education ecosystem that covers children, youth and informal-sector workers.
Source: https://www.prachachat.net/politics/news-1999093
