Rampant corruption in system : Privy councillor

"The education system can't fare well because corruption exists at every corner," Kasem said. "We should now look into how much education budget from the government is really spent for intended purposes.

"I hope executives of main education agencies will seriously punish corrupt teachers and use harsh punishment. If the teachers should be dismissed, they must be dismissed," he said.

Kasem, a former education minister, spoke at a seminar on how to conduct a second wave of education reform. The first started about 10 years ago.

Commenting on the second round of education reform to be implemented from 2009 to 2017, Kasem said it should focus on quality of education.

"The education should also develop desirable traits in students. For example, students must be taught to uphold ethical standards," he said.

Kasem also placed emphasis on the empowerment of teachers. "When we do so, we must listen to teachers' opinions too."

He called on ministry officials to pay attention to education in border areas.

"Instead of arranging educational tours to foreign countries, please visit border areas to see how education there should be improved to strengthen national security," Kasem said.

At the same seminar, Chulalongkorn University lecturer Dr Sompong Jitradub expressed concern over big budgets granted to public organisations.

"I am not sure whether these public organisations can really give huge benefits to children," he said.

Sompong emphasised that education policies must not change back and forth with political parties. This year, the country has already seen two prime ministers and several different Cabinet ministers leave their posts.

Newly-appointed Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Cabinet were sworn in on Monday evening. The new Education minister is Jurin Laksanawisit.

He and Deputy Ministers Chaiwuti Bannawat and Narisara Chawaltanpipat began work at the Ministry yesterday as its new chiefs, after paying respect to a sacred statue there.

Asked about his policies, Jurin vowed to deliver 15 years of free education to children but said: "I will reveal more about my policies after the incoming administration announces its policies to the Parliament."