Education Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan has abandoned plans to buy tablets for students with schools closed nationwide due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"The ministry will focus on maximising our existing resources and will not invest money buying new equipment unnecessarily. We will ask for digital TV channels from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission for teaching via Digital Learning Television (DLTV)," said Mr Nataphol.

His remarks mark a U-turn from Wednesday when the minister was reported saying he would seek a budget from the government to purchase tablets for high school students in state schools across the country to use after their schools were closed to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Mr Nataphol did not explain the change of plan, although the Education Ministry has a history of failed attempts to provide computers and tablets to students. Past schemes drew criticism over the quality of the tablets and software as well as for being a waste of taxpayers' money.

Mr Nataphol told the media yesterday the ministry is collecting information from schools in various regions to find the most appropriate way to continue educating students during these unusual circumstances.