In a bid to prevent state schools from trading seats for bribes - or "tea money", Wijit banned them from accepting any donation during the student-admission period.

The ban will only stay in effect until 15 days after the schools' finally announce the names of children able to attend as students.

All schools have been told to announce a final list of successful applicants on April 10.

"Although the schools can accept donations, they must make sure that there's no hidden agenda. If there's ground for suspicion, the schools will face investigations," Wijit said.

Yesterday, all state secondary schools under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) officially announced the results of applicants who successfully passed their entrance exams. Successful students were also required to report to the schools yesterday.

Children who failed the entrance exams can register at schools in their neighbourhood for the right to attend a draw that will determine who get school places set down for local residents.

Every state school is required to earmark a sizeable number of seats for children who live in the local neighbourhood. When the number of students is higher than available seats, popular schools usually hold draws to decide who gets in.

The draw will take place on Sunday (April 1).

The families of children who fail to get seats in the draw have to contact their local educational service area office on April 8 and 9. On April 10, schools with available seats will announce their final lists of successful applicants.

The period between the first and final announcements of successful applicants is the time when parents have usually tried to offer money to famous schools for a "favour" to get their children admitted. But the Education Ministry barred schools from receiving such donations at that time this year.

Meanwhile, Wijit said students' rather low scores in the Advanced National Educational Test (A-Net) this year showed Thai education standards had yet to improve.

"Most students don't show signs of improvement," he said.

The O-Net scores will be announced next month.