Today (July 2, 2012) at 09.45, at the Outer Santi Maitri building, the Government House, members of the Teacher Profession Network of Thailand consisting of Northern Teacher Federation, Northeastern Local Teacher Association, Southern Teacher Federation, Teacher’s Life Development Network of Thailand, and Teacher Association Federation of Thailand paid a courtesy call on Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, the Prime Minister in order to encourage her and submit a document as well as deliver a speech supporting Ms. Yingluck Shinwatra’s government which came from a democratic election. Attendants included Mr. Voravaj Ue-Apinyakul, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Prasit Chaiwirattana, Deputy Secretariat of the Prime Minister for the Political Affairs, and Ms. Sansane Nachpong, Government Spokesperson.

Mr. Nares Sanmool, President of the Northern Teacher Federation as a representative from Teacher Profession Network of Thailand delivered a speech. Gist as follows: Nowadays, Thailand is encountering a severe political conflict, distortion, an attempt to delegitimize the Prime Minister and the government, and a prospective impact from Eurozone debt crisis on the country. All of those factors might undermine Thailand’s opportunity to compete in international arena in the political, economic, and social fields and undermine Thai people’s happiness leading to social cleavages and sovereignty erosion. Being concerned over the situation, Teacher Profession Network of Thailand would thus like to support the government, as follows: 1. Teacher Profession Network of Thailand supported the government led by Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, the Prime Minister to complete the term 2. Teacher Profession Network of Thailand was committed to protect sovereignty by promoting rights, freedom, equity, and justice 3. Teacher Profession Network of Thailand insisted on working with all sectors to fight against coup 4. Teacher Profession Network of Thailand promised to contribute to national education development with an aim  at strengthening political, economic, and social sectors and promoting people’s participation, encouraging good leaders, and advocating Professor Suchart Tadatamrongvej, Minister of Education to drive “Ministry of Education of Thailand is Clean” project aiming at anti-corruption attempt. Therefore, the country is developed and people’s happiness is enhanced. Representative from Teacher Profession Network of Thailand also requested for the outcome of supporting an amendment of the Royal Decree on Civil Servant Pension B.E. 2539 article 63.

In this opportunity, the Prime Minister delivered a keynote speech to members of the Teacher Profession Network of Thailand. Gist as follows: The Prime Minister appreciated all teachers and involved sectors for their support which drives the government to work for people. It was clear that there are a number of problems occurring since the early days the government had assumed the position such as natural disaster, economic crisis, and political conflict. The Prime Minister affirmed all teachers that the government is doing the utmost to take care of people and is willing to cooperate with every sector ranging from governmental agencies, private sector, to civil society. Teachers are valued since they are not only the leaders in Teacher Profession Network composed of a number of careers, but also the ones who stimulate the right understanding of other sectors as well as students. Most importantly, teachers must encourage confidence and trust in Thailand. Ideological difference could happen but teachers would never let the difference undermine people’s unity, and trust. Throughout 7-8 months, the government has proven that it can overcome all obstacles because of confidence, unity, and solidarity.

In addition, the Prime Minister mentioned Teacher Profession Network of Thailand’s concern over civil servant welfare fund that she had assigned Ministry of Finance to work on this issue. Ministry of Finance needed to closely monitor the welfare distribution in order to ensure that all civil servants received a good care. The government is concerned over civil servants’ welfare and condition of living ranging from minimum salary base to pension after or during retirement since those retired are experts who contribute themselves to the country’s progress. The Prime Minister promised to follow the progress of those issues. She also promised to pass courage received from Teacher Profession Network of Thailand to the cabinet so that everyone can work for people and build the country’s confidence.