The court's order goes against a resolution from the University Presidents Council of Thailand that limits students applying for university to the scores from their first Ordinary National Educational Test (Onet) test.

The chair of the council yesterday described the court's decision as "unacceptable".

"We can't accept Onet scores from the second or third time students take the test," said Vanchai Sirichana, also the president of Mae Fah Luang University. "It violates the principle that Onet measures academic performance upon completion of Grade 12." 

The agency that implements the tests - the National Institute of Educational Testing Service - allows students to take the Onet as many times as they want. However, along with the council and the commission, it has made it clear since last year that only Onet scores from the first test will be recognised for university admission.

Onet became the main university-admission criterion last year, but its bungled implementation produced widespread confusion as well as delayed and absurdly contradictory results.

Earlier this month the Khon Kaen Administrative Court ruled in favour of six students who asked that scores from the second time they took the test be used for their applications for admission to university.

Deputy Education Minister Varakorn Samkoses yesterday warned that the court's decision could have far-reaching consequences. "In our appeal, we will inform the court that the order affects more than a small group of students. It will affect up to 200,000 students who will apply for places at universities this year," he said.

"We hope the court will understand. It's unfair if some students can use new scores."

Vanchai said the university presidents' council would hold an urgent meeting on Wednesday to discuss the court's decision.

Education Minister Wijit Srisa-arn said no changes to the university-admission schedule were planned.

After the appeal is filed, the case will move to the Supreme Administrative Court.