The protest took place on Sunday (Nov 9), when about 20 residents gathered outside the school holding signs urging the Ministry of Education and the Phuket Provincial Education Service Area Office to transfer the director.
The protesters had hoisted signs painted with slogans, including, “Get Out! It will be better for the Youth!”, “Director Pajaree, finally become a school administrator” and “We don’t want you, Director!”
The protest followed a formal petition earlier submitted to the provincial education office challenging Ms Pajaree’s suitability to continue in the role, explained the Thalang District Office in a post online.
According to the petition, the school is facing administrative problems that have led to friction among staff. It also alleged conflicts between the school director and external agencies, including the local administrative organisation, which has plans to improve the school’s football field.
The petition further raised concerns over a lack of transparency surrounding revenue from advertising billboards on school grounds, said to generate substantial income.
Thalang District Office confirmed it is reviewing the complaints and coordinating with the relevant agencies. “We will continue to monitor progress on the relevant actions,” the office said in its statement.
The situation comes as the school begins the 2025 academic year. A parent-teacher meeting held on Sunday went ahead as scheduled.
Notably, Ms Pajaree ‒ who appeared in the school’s official newsletter on Saturday (Nov 8) as director in an article about a beach cleanup ‒ was no longer featured in the newsletter released on Sunday reporting on the parent-teacher meeting.
Meanwhile, the Phuket Provincial Education Service Area Office, led by Director Panna Phromwichian, has not yet issued any public comment regarding the allegations or the status of the school’s leadership.