Bangkok: The Senate Education Committee has formally urged the government to reduce educational aid budgets allocated to Cambodia. The committee is confident that such cuts would neither violate children’s rights nor humanitarian principles.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Kamol Rodklai, a member of the Senate and chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, led a press conference to discuss the committee’s recommendations. He pointed to recent border violence affecting both Thai citizens and Cambodian children, and suggested that aid reduction should start with Cambodia. Mr. Kamol highlighted that Thailand supports various groups of children, including those from neighboring countries, in accordance with international agreements like the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
He noted that Thailand currently supports about 108,000 foreign children, most of whom are from Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. These children are enrolled in schools under the Office of Basic Education Commission and private institutions. Mr. Kamol expressed concerns about the financial burden, stating that per capita expenses for these children have increased, not just in education but also in healthcare.
Mr. Kamol further stated that Thailand should prioritize children who have entered the country legally, which is approximately 103,000 out of the total. He proposed postponing aid for the remaining foreign children until conditions improve. This stance aligns with the ASEAN agreement, which emphasizes addressing child rights but also managing financial resources.
Mr. Wiwat Rungkaew, a police senator from Sisaket Province, echoed these concerns. He highlighted issues at the Chong Sangam checkpoint, where Cambodian students are enrolled in Thai schools, questioning the financial implications for Thai taxpayers.
Mr. Chanchai Chaiphit, a police senator from Buriram Province, recalled past humanitarian aid provided to Cambodia and expressed disappointment over the current state of relations. He urged the government to reconsider its aid strategy.
When questioned about potential human rights violations, Mr. Kamol stated that the proposed measures adhere to international standards. He emphasized that the focus should be on legally residing children, similar to practices in Europe and America. He assured that Thailand’s actions would not constitute racial discrimination but are aimed at managing financial resources effectively.
The Senate Education Committee’s recommendations aim to realign Thailand’s educational aid strategy, focusing on legal frameworks and financial sustainability, while maintaining compliance with international conventions.