Prathom 2 (Grade 2) students at Wat Makut Kasatriyaram School happily lined up in the canteen when the school director announced that they were going to have khao moo daeng (barbecued pork on rice), chicken soup and watermelon for lunch.
"Khao moo daeng is my favourite dish because it's delicious. I also like kaeng khiao wan [Thai green curry]. When these two dishes are served for lunch, I'm very happy," said Monruedee Pab, a six-year-old student at the school, with a big smile on her face.
School director Khomkham Nimsuwan said the lunch menus at her school are planned on a monthly basis, and that a teacher who is equipped with adequate knowledge about nutrition is responsible for planning the meals. But before including any dishes on the list, the teacher has to allow each student to have a role in picking the dishes they like.
"With our limited budget, we don't have many choices on the list, but we ensure that every dish on the lunch menu will have all five of the essential nutrients and taste good," said Ms Khomkham.
Wat Makut Kasatriyaram School currently has 403 students enrolled from kindergarten to elementary level. The school now receives a budget of 30 baht per student per day -- 10 baht for breakfast and 20 baht for lunch -- from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration under its free lunch programme for kindergarten and primary school children.
"A budget of 30 baht per head provided to schools may not be much, but it is enough to provide healthy meals for students if there is no corruption," said Ms Khomkham.
Unfortunately, not all Thai pupils are as lucky as the students at Wat Makut Kasatriyaram School. Some schools have been accused of not using the state funds for meals, and instead misusing or siphoning off the rest.
