Student Loan Fund Management in the New Era: Current Conditions and Expectations of Universities in Songkhla Province
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55164/ecbajournal.v18i2.283462Keywords:
Student Loan Fund, Management, Student Loan Fund Act (No. 2) B.E. 2566, Songkhla ProvinceAbstract
The Student Loan Fund (SLF) has played a significant role in reducing educational inequality in Thailand; however, the recent amendments under the Student Loan Fund Act (No. 2), B.E. 2566 (2023) revealed a research gap regarding how higher education institutions adapt their management systems, particularly in local contexts with diverse socioeconomic conditions. Such knowledge is essential for developing policies that align with the revised Act and the needs of key stakeholders. This study aimed to examine the current conditions and expectations of SLF management in universities in Songkhla Province. The sample comprised 400 student borrowers and 10 SLF officers from five universities. A questionnaire validated through IOC and Cronbach’s Alpha was used for data collection and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics mean and standard deviation. The findings indicated that student borrowers perceived the current management performance at a high level (𝑥̅ = 4.29) emphasizing the convenience of digital loan systems low interest rates and flexible repayment conditions. SLF officers reported the highest level of agreement (𝑥̅ = 4.47), highlighting rapid loan allocation efficient monitoring and payroll deduction mechanisms. Regarding expectations, students showed a high overall level (𝑥̅ = 4.36) particularly expecting loan schemes without guarantors support for short-term skill-development programs and principal-reduction measures. Officers similarly expressed high expectations (𝑥̅ = 4.40) focusing on the abolition of guarantors debt restructuring and repayment based on borrowers’ capacity. In conclusion, the study suggests that although the SLF remains essential for expanding educational opportunities its management processes require modernization, transparency and flexibility to better reflect the intent of the new legislation and the needs of stakeholders in Thailand’s higher education system.
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