Thai Minister Praised North Korean Education, Faces Public Backlash
Former Police Officer Appointed as Minister of Education
The Thai Minister of Education faced public backlash after praising North Korea's strict disciplinary education system.
![[Image source=Yonhap News]](http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/img_view.htm?img=2023111515225053932_1700029370.jpg)
According to local Thai media on the 6th, Poompun Chitchep, the Minister of Education, expressed high regard for North Korea's enforcement of discipline on students during a meeting with Kim Jebong, the North Korean ambassador to Thailand, on the 19th of last month. Minister Poompun also praised North Korea's patriotism and loyalty to its leaders. He added that if educational support is received from North Korea, he hopes the Ministry of Education can learn from it.
On social media platforms announcing Minister Poompun's activities, his statement, "I hope to have the opportunity to visit North Korea to study its culture and engage in exchanges that would benefit education," was introduced. It is known that Ambassador Kim visited the Ministry of Education to congratulate Minister Poompun on his appointment and discuss expanding exchanges.
Although more than 20 days have passed since their meeting, online criticism opposing Minister Poompun's views and mocking him has surged. Thai netizens have posted critical comments on social media such as "There is no hope" and "Do you want Thailand to become like North Korea?"
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Minister Poompun served as a police officer for 37 years, from 1984 to 2021. He is the younger brother of Newin Chitchep, leader of the Phumjaithai Party, which participated in the current coalition government. He was appointed Minister of Education when the new government took office last year. Concerns were raised within and outside political circles at the time of his appointment as a minister from a police background. Experts warned that unlike today's students who desire to exercise their freedoms and rights, problems could arise if he adheres to the old bureaucratic system.
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