NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: Students burst into tears as they farewelled the director of Maheyong School, who was abruptly transferred after a video clip showing "leftovers" served for lunch was posted online and quickly grabbed social media attention.
The 1,700 students, from kindergarten to Prathom Suksa 6 levels, and teachers gave flowers to director Amporn Dankhongrak after the morning flag ceremony on Friday.
Many students were seen crying and repeatedly shouted, “School director, come back'' as Ms Amporn walked out of the school gates, in Muang district. Tearful students ran to the pavement in front of the school as if to follow her, but she told them to return to classes.
Ms Amporn travelled the 400 metres to the Nakhon Si Thammarat municipality education unit on foot, accompanied by parents and alumuni.
She was ordered out on Tuesday as a school-lunch scandal blew up after a video clip posted on “Watchdog.ACT’’ Facebook page showing students queuing up with plates in hand for small portions of rice and a soup the page described as consisting of “leftover vegetables".
The clip went viral online, drawing heavy criticism of the school for the poor quality of its meals.
But students, teachers, parents and alumni have defended the school director. They believe she was not at fault for the poor quality food. An investigation is underway.
On Thursday, Thanet Pransuk, vice-president of the school alumni, issued a statement on behalf of the group calling for a speedy inquiry into the affair. He said the quality of school lunches took a hit after the municipality changed the caterer. It was not related to any action by the head teacher.
Students at Mayeyong municipal school in Nakhon Si Thammarat's Muang district cry as the school director is transferred over a school lunch scandal. (Photo by Nujaree Raekrun)
A video clip of students being served small portions of rice and watery soup the Watchdog.ACT Facebook page described as consisting of leftover vegetables. (Video clip by Watchdog.ACT Facebook page)