[Bangkok Post] Fine Arts Department faces staff shortage

 

The Fine Arts Department has been hit by a shortage of skilled staff as most of its top officials have left by taking early retirement.

The agency, which once had 1,800 officials, has seen its workforce dwindle to 1,379 over the past three years.

Since 2003, it has lost up to 400 officials, especially those skilled in traditional arts and archaeology. This year 48 officials retired or opted for the early retirement programme.

That meant a drastic increase in the workload of existing officials, who must run more than 100 offices across the country, in addition to taking care of museums, national archives and libraries, says department director-general Kriengkrai Sampatcdhalit.

Sadly, it now has only two officials working for the National Archives Office in Ubon Ratchathani.

The Archaeology Office is no better off. It just has two divers left and the duo are responsible for 64 underwater archaeological sites across the country.

"The government doesn't think too highly about underwater archaeology. As their job is too dangerous, insurance firms have refused coverage for them as well," Erbprem Vatcharangkul, director of the Underwater Archaeology Division under the Archeology Office, complained.

Like other government offices, the department must stick to government policy on staff cuts and recruitments.

Since the agency's work is unique, it requires people with specific skills and newcomers cannot be assigned to look after valuable works and items without being properly groomed.

"It is quite difficult to find the people you need to fill the vacancies as they must possess highly artistic skills and delicate craftsmanship," he added.

Without any quick state action, the situation is expected to become much worse by 2013, when 45 more will reach retirement age, he warned.

To ease the problem, many senior officials have been asked to work beyond retirement so they could transfer their knowledge and experience to the younger generation.

"It should not be allowed to disappear. That's what we are most concerned about," Mr Kriengkrai said.

Permanent secretary for culture Veera Rojpojanarat said the Culture Ministry was aware of the problem and was considering adding 90 more positions to the agency. 

Lamphai Intathep 21/11/2009.