The military-installed government plans to give free education to Thai farmers' children until they earn a degree, Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Yuthawong said on Monday.
"We want them to work in other professions because technology and machines are replacing manpower in the agricultural sector worldwide," says Mr Yongyuth. (File photo by Pattarachai Preechapanich )
"We want them to work in other professions because technology and machines are replacing manpower in the agricultural sector worldwide," said Mr Yongyuth, who oversees social and psychological affairs.
He said the government is ready to promote and sponsor different education projects, such as the one scholarship per district project.
The deputy premier said he had instructed the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology to provide more scholarships to children, especially those whose parents are farmers.
Tawatchai Iamchit, a leading member of a farmers' association in Chai Nat, said he did not agree with the government's plan to provide free education to farmers' children.
"Giving things for free will destroy one's discipline and receivers won't see the value. Students may no longer study hard or fail to complete their studies. They need to be disciplined and have social responsibility," Mr Tawatchai said.
He added that the one scholarship per district project could cause conflicts between families. He said one scholarship would not be enough as there are at least 5,000 agricultural households in each district.
Concerning shops selling blended alcoholic drinks and baraku/shisha services near schools and universities, Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth said the law must be fully enforced and these shops must have licences. But the root cause of the problem must also be addressed, and educational and family institutions will have to teach young people about social vices.
"Even if we use short-term measures like closing down these shops, young people who have not been taught about this would still be lured to these vices and the shops will open again," Mr Yongyuth said.