Kasama quits as Obec chief

       Khunying Kasama Voravan Na Ayudhaya has tendered her resignation from the top post at the Office of the Basic Education Commission.
       The Obec secretary-general yesterday insisted she had quit of her own accord,without being pressured by anyone.
       She believed the time was right for her to resign because she has been working in the post for a long time. As an education reform scheme is being carried out, she wanted to give an opportunity to others to prove their worth.
       She was breaking her silence as there had been speculation she had quit.
       Education Minister Jurin Laksanavisit earlier remained tight-lipped over reports Khunying Kasama had stepped down.
       Although she had quit, she had not left education altogether as she was still a member of several education panels.
       Mr Jurin declined to confirm when asked if the Obec chief had quit, saying it was a matter of etiquette that he should not speak first on the issue. He would let Khunying Kasama discuss the matter.
       She would hold a press conference about her resignation after the education minister approved her exit, she said.She would remain the Obec chief until Oct 26, the day she turns 60.
       A source at the Obec said Khunying Kasama had tendered her resignation several months ago, but the minister had put her departure on hold. He just approved the resignation letter last week.