May 16, 2009
Bangkok (ASTV Manager Online) – Most of the parents had to depend on personal savings, loans as well as pawnshops to cope with the economic crisis.
49.79 percent used their personal savings to cover the educational expenses whereas 27.24 percent approached legal sources of loans.
However, 14.44 percent went for illegal sources of loans while 8.53 percent turned to pawnshops.
Rajabhat University Suan Dusit surveyed 1,238 families during May 11-14.
37.80 percent of the respondents earned 10,001-20,000 baht per month per family while 23.43 percent 10,000 baht per month per family.
Participants averagely had 2-3 children per family. 34.70 percent of the children were in primary schools whereas 14.79 percent were in the universities.
The average spending per family was 12,850 baht, and respondents mostly spent 10,001-20,000 baht during school opening.
62.68 percent said they had no money to be kept as future savings.
70.95 percent said the economic crisis affected education, admitting that their incomes did not rise whereas their expenses did.
The government was urged to give away educational equipment and offer free English and swimming teaching for students.
