Insanity claims don't add up: students
Students rallied around the so-called "tutorial king" yesterday saying they did not believe he was suffering from mental illness despite reports the much admired teacher had checked into a hospital for treatment of mental-health problems.
Dr Prakitpao Thomthitchong is a skilful teacher who makes learning fun and he never appeared mentally unstable, students said. Staff at Prakitpao's Applied Physics tutorial school at Siam Square said only a handful of parents had called the school to cancel their children's classes. Most parents who called did so to offer their support and seek updates on the popular teacher's condition, an employee identified as Patpong told The Nation. Students did not believe media reports that had labelled their teacher insane, Patpong said. He said Prakitpao appeared normal the last time they met, on February 17. "He doesn't drink or smoke or go out at night. He is kind and loves to make merit and meditate," Patpong added. He did not believe the reports that said the teacher carried three guns, he said. However, Patpong added, because the apparent family dispute is sensitive and personal both sides - Prakitpao and his family - should be heard. Kwang, a 15 year old who studies physics with Prakitpao, said he showed no sign mental instability. "He's a good and funny teacher," she said. He provided plenty of formulas for calculating that were easy to understand and quick, she added. She urged Prakitpao to tell public what had happened, as he was the only who could answer all the questions people had. A woman whose sons have studied at the school for five years said Prakitpao had helped her second eldest son pass the entrance exam for engineering. The woman, who identified herself as Phuangchompoo, said that since she had enrolled her youngest son in the school he had become an excellent student. Following reports that Prakitpao had been admitted to Srithanya Hospital, Phuangchompoo said she considered cancelling her youngest son's classes at the tutorial school. She was worried her son would be in danger, she said. However, he insisted that Prakitpao was a good teacher who made learning fun. The boy said he would quit the school if Prakitpao stopped teaching there, Phuangchompoo said. She said her son would study by using videos of Prakitpao teaching until the teacher returned to the classroom. Mayuree Sukyingcharoenwong The Nation
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