The director of Satriwitthaya 2 School has denied telling students to ask soft drinks king Tan Passakornnatee for 3.1 million baht to fund their marching band’s trip to compete abroad.
Director Pacharapong Trithepha admitted yesterday to being one of the voices on a controversial leaked recording of a conversation about how to secure funding for the band.
“It is a conversation between myself and the students of the marching band, but I did not incite them to ask for the funding from Mr Tan specifically,” he said. “Listen to the clip carefully once again and see whether I mention the name of Mr Tan or not. It was an idea from the students.”
The marching band, Max Percussion Theatre, has been the subject of heated debate since it pulled a publicity stunt asking Mr Tan, owner of Ichitan Group Co Ltd, for a 3.1 million baht donation to travel to a competition in the Netherlands from March 25-29. They won top prize in “Marching World Class”, but were the only team in the category.
The band attracted harsh criticism for the way in which it “begged” the businessman for the money, then appealed for more cash from the private sector to travel to a separate competition in America.
A 21-minute audio clip of them planning their “fundraising” drive was then leaked onto YouTube on Tuesday, sparking further ire. Mr Pacharapong said in the clip that the marching band could generate 8 to 9 million baht for winning a trophy overseas.
The director issued a public apology on the case through the Secondary Educational Service Area Office 2 on Thursday. He then told reporters yesterday that his lawyer is gathering excerpts of published news to file lawsuits against sections of the media which have vilified him since news of the school’s unconventional approach to funding hit the headlines.
Pongsakorn Lertsakoworakul, a band member, has also admitted to being featured in the clip. Another woman heard on the recording is believed to be the school’s deputy director Chanika Wangkit.
A fact-finding committee has been set up by the Secondary Educational Service Area Office 2 to investigate the case. If the director is found at fault, a disciplinary probe will be undertaken. The director said information and evidence on the matter would be sent to the committee shortly.
“I am not hiding from anyone and remain at work every day. I am ready to restore the school’s image and reputation and take public responsibility,” said Mr Pacharapong, adding that the media had caused “confusion” about the incident.
He pledged to hold a press conference to further answer concerns about the funding in a matter of days.
On Thursday, Satriwitthaya 2 School alumni association issued a statement calling for Mr Pacharapong to step down, apologise and repay Mr Tan the 3.1 million baht donation.
The association said it would write to the caretaker government and the Office of the Basic Education Committee to request his removal.