Education officials yesterday welcomed the government's move to end the 11-level career ladder for civil servants.

The move is part of the Civil Servants Regulation Bill, which received Cabinet approval on Tuesday.

PM's Office Minister Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan explained that the new system would set salaries based on job responsibility and performance, which should boost work efficiency.

"The new system will be good for civil servants. Unrestricted by the 11-level system, all of them can enjoy greater opportunities for career advancement," Education Ministry permanent secretary Charuaypon Toranin said.

In the current system, civil servants are categorised into 11 levels from C1 to C11. C1 is the most junior and C11 is the most senior. There is a salary ceiling for each level.

"Currently, so many officials are stuck at the C8 level because there are no vacant higher positions for them," Charuaypon said. She said the 11-level system was like a pyramid shape, while the new system would have a "condo block" shape.

Under the new Bill, civil servants will be reorganised into four levels: general, academic, director and executive.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an education official said all co-workers were glad to hear about the new system as job responsibilities would determine one's rank.

Surat Thani School director Praphasri Ouiyamthiti welcomed the new system.

She said government teachers had, in fact, already stopped classifying themselves into the 11-level system.

Meanwhile, Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin said he would explain the new system to BMA staff, who are counted as part of the civil service.

National Legislative Assembly member Wissanu Krea-ngam, said a positive aspect of the Bill would be the establishment of the Merit Systems Protection Board. The board is designed to take action against offending officials and prevent unfair practices.

Civil Service Commission secretary-general Preecha Vajrabhaya said the Bill was also about decentralisation of personnel authority.

But an official at the Culture Ministry feared the new system would bar civil servants moving to new fields that might suit them better.