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Teacher Faces Threats for Exposing School Lunch Corruption
A Thai teacher in northern Thailand is facing severe harassment and threats from local community members after exposing alleged corruption in school lunch funds. She is pleading for protection and a safe transfer to a new workplace.
CHIANG RAI – A brave Thai teacher is currently pleading for her safety after exposing alleged corruption in a local school system. The widespread scandal involves missing educational budgets and questionable student lunch funds in northern Thailand. Consequently, she is now facing severe, daily harassment from angry local community groups. Teacher Kalong Jobsri originally reported serious financial irregularities at her former school several years ago. This bold professional move led to an official transfer, but her troubles unfortunately followed her. Now, she is fighting desperately for a safe workplace as daily physical threats rapidly escalate. Key Takeaways In 2018, this dedicated educator noticed highly suspicious activities regarding support funds for poor students. She reported these glaring financial issues in Chiang Rai, sparking a major national anti-corruption investigation. Eventually, local government authorities decided to move her to a new school in Phayao province. However, a remarkably similar problem quickly emerged at her brand-new educational posting. She bravely refused to sign off on daily lunch inspections after noticing clear financial irregularities. This firm ethical stand ultimately caused a local school cook to lose their employment contract. The situation quickly spiraled out of control as local community tensions reached a boiling point. Furious community members actually gathered at her school to aggressively demand her immediate removal. This intense public backlash marked the beginning of a terrifying ordeal for the dedicated teacher. Following her firm refusal, the direct threats against her became shockingly physical and dangerous. Unknown individuals maliciously scratched her personal vehicle and threw heavy rocks at her car. The rapidly escalating violence forced her to seek urgent protection from the Thai justice system. The Rights and Liberties Protection Department formally asked local police officers to ensure her safety. She then requested an emergency job transfer due to these severe, life-threatening working conditions. Sadly, the official relocation process has been incredibly slow, disorganized, and deeply frustrating for her. Education officials in Chiang Rai asked individual schools if they would voluntarily accept her transfer. Unsurprisingly, several local schools quickly declined the official request out of pure fear and caution. Furthermore, some local villagers actively organized public protests against her potential arrival in their areas. Frustrated by this highly unusual administrative process, she recently filed a formal police report. She also wrote urgent letters directly to the Minister of Education and the Basic Education Commission. She is actively demanding immediate, temporary physical protection and a completely safe teaching post. Teacher Kalong has consistently followed the rules and simply wants to do her job safely. As a devoted mother and educator, she just wants to live a peaceful, normal life. Moreover, she only has nine years left before she reaches her official government retirement age. She feels completely exhausted by the constant public bullying. She sincerely hopes high-ranking government officials will finally intervene and offer her genuine justice. The entire nation is carefully watching how the education ministry handles this vital whistleblowing crisis.
Original source
Chiang Rai Times