Jurin promises free learning materials for 15 years

This would be a big change given the government has long provided just 12 years of free education in which "free" applied mainly to tuition.

"Unlike previous administrations, we will make sure that 'free education' is not just about tuition fees," Jurin said yesterday. "It is about free textbooks and free learning materials too."

Jurin has asked his ministry to look into the budget issue.

"I plan to implement this policy at the start of the 2009 academic year, which will begin around May," he said, "We should have enough time to make necessary preparations."

The new minister plans to provide free education to Thai children from kindergarten up to the highest secondary classes.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Cabinet are due to announce their policy statements to Parliament on Monday and Tuesday.

The previous administration ended its term abruptly because the Constitution Court dissolved the ruling People Power Party in early December on grounds of electoral fraud.

Srinakharinwirot University president Wiroon Tungcharoen urged the new government to clarify what will be free when children enrol at school.

"In the past, the free-education policy made people quite confused. Some parents couldn't help wondering why they had to pay for their students' education whenever a new semester began," Wiroon said.

He suggested the government encourage rich people to adopt a socially-responsible attitude. "Rich people should help poor people in areas of education and medical services," he said.