Spot checks reveal misuse of school lunch programme funds

In Surat Thani, a series of surprise inspections by anti-corruption officials at six schools uncovered irregularities in student-lunch programs, including mismanagement of funds and subpar nutrition. Provincial officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) reported on Tuesday, without naming the schools involved.

The inspections revealed lax procedures and possible violations of regulations on fund disbursement. Incomplete records made it difficult for school staff to explain fund sources and uses, with evidence showing funds were used for improper purposes, such as purchasing a refrigerator after a school closed. Unspent budget funds were not returned to the Treasury, causing discrepancies in account balances, the report stated.

Beyond fund management issues, the inspections also exposed schools covering up abuses by serving poor-quality meals to some students while providing better meals to others who received advance notice. Drinking-water facilities were insufficient, placing financial burdens on parents who had to buy water at school welfare shops. The most concerning issue was allegations of a "dark power" within schools, where individuals in authority directed staff to manage fund records, holding them responsible for any misconduct when irregularities were exposed.

The NACC encouraged teachers to report improper directives, offering protection. They recommended increased transparency, community participation in oversight, and more frequent surprise inspections. In 2018, a major scandal in Surat Thani emerged after a parent complained about student meals consisting only of noodles and fish sauce, leading to multiple corruption charges against Ban Tha Mai School's director, Somchao Sitthichen, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2025.