Parents flocked to Pattaya-area gold shops to raise money to buy new school uniforms and supplies.
Although uniform prices remained the same as last year, parents said cash was tight, particularly after spending for Songkran. One central Pattaya gold shop was doing brisk trade, offering 2 percent loans to parents who put their gold bars and ornaments on consignment.
Buying prices during last week ranged from 18,000-19,692 baht for ornaments and up to 20,250 baht for bars.
After cashing in, parents then took their pocketfuls of baht to area department stores to pick up new uniforms. While some parents were lucky enough to have children who didn’t grow out of last year’s uniforms, and could still use them, instead concentrated on supplies.
Some weren’t as lucky. Children moving from kindergarten to first grade, and grade 6 to 7 need all new uniforms, which can cost parents 3,000-4,000 baht per child.
The government provides parents some financial relief – 360 baht per child – but parents say Bangkok must do more to help, handing out at least 500 baht per child.
Parent Pranee Rodlao was one of the unlucky parents who had to foot the bill for all new uniforms for two children. She said she appreciated the government’s help, but needs more support to lighten her burden.
Retailer Taweechai Kamkaew said parents this year were passing on the highest-quality garb, mostly buying the cheapest or medium-priced uniforms.
As a special promotion, he offered discounts for good-condition clothes turned in when buying new ones.
