BANGLAMUNG, CHONBURI – On September 29th, 2025, at 11:06 AM, a heated dispute at a school in Banglamung, Chonburi, involving teachers and the school’s director, prompted an urgent meeting led by Mr. Khunsek Duangphet, the school board chairman, alongside alumni committee members.
The conflict, which gained media attention, stemmed from 13 teachers and staff requesting transfers from the Chonburi-Rayong Secondary Education Service Area Office, citing their inability to work with the school’s director, who has been in the position for less than a year. The teachers alleged the director used harsh language, publicly criticized and demeaned them, and showed a lack of respect, leading to their decision to seek transfers.
Addressing the issue, Mr. Khunsek clarified that media reports exaggerating the number of transfer requests were inaccurate, with only 13 staff members involved, not 20 as claimed. He noted that some requests were due to personal reasons, such as returning to hometowns or insufficient salaries, rather than solely the conflict with the director. However, these issues were amplified, creating a larger controversy.
To resolve the matter, a monk, who is both an alumnus and a committee member, was invited to mediate. The discussion concluded with both sides urged to de-escalate and take a step back. The director expressed a willingness to adopt a more conciliatory approach and denied using the monk’s presence to pressure staff. Both parties agreed to apologize and resume work together, with no further escalation. The committee also firmly denied allegations of corruption at the school, stating that the issue was an internal conflict related to the director’s leadership style.
The director, described as a woman with a strong, authoritative demeanor, was said to use blunt communication, which some younger teachers found difficult to accept. Criticism over work performance was perceived as demeaning, leading to accumulated grievances. Mr. Khunsek highlighted the need for the director to improve leadership and communication skills.Additionally, concerns were raised about the reduction of student activities, such as a traditional candlelight procession. Mr. Khunsek explained that logistical issues, including his absence due to ordination and budget constraints, led to fewer students participating in the event, causing misunderstandings with the local community. He also noted that some activities were canceled due to poor communication between teachers and the director, showing the need for better coordination.
Mr. Komsan Siriyutthasanyakorn, a parent with multiple children enrolled at the school, revealed that most students were unaware of the conflict. He expressed concern that senior students had displayed protest banners, suggesting that students were being used as pawns in the dispute, which he described as deplorable. He proposed a joint meeting involving teachers, the director, the committee, students, and parents to address issues transparently and prevent further escalation.
The committee remains optimistic that the situation will be resolved amicably. Following the mediation, both sides have exchanged apologies via messages, with plans for a future formal meeting to finalize reconciliation. The school is committed to moving forward together to ensure a positive environment for all.
