BEC'S KASAMA HANDS IN HER RESIGNATION

       Education Minister Jurin Laksanawisit yesterday admitted that Basic Education Commission secretarygeneral Kunyhing Kasama Varawan Na Ayuthya had submitted her resignation.
       He declined to comment on Kasam's reason for quitting, saying out of courtesy Kasama should be the one who explained it.
       Jurin claimed there was no work conflict or pressure and that he had worked with Kasam harmoniously.
       His comments were made yesterday while explaining a proposal to find replacements for level10 officials retiring next month. He said the plan would miss Cabinet's meeting today because of PM Abhisit Vejjajiva's absence.
       Kasama admitted she had submitted the resignation letter but not because of any work conflict or pressure from others. She had intended for a long time to retire when she became 60 because she had worked for so long.
       Since secondround educational reform was at a turning point and the Thai Khemkaeng stimulus package had begun, she wanted to give an opportunity to others to work in full swing and with continuity, she said.
       "Even though I quit the post, I won't be out of the education circle because I still work as an educational committee member," she said, adding she would hold a press conference after her resignation was approved.
       Kasama said she would remain in the post until October 26, which was also her 60th birthday anniversary.