B2.7bn needed to fund apps for students' free tabletsStudents attend an Eduzone Expo in Bangkok. Obec secretary-general Thanu Wongchinda said the tablet distribution programme could not be put into effect this year. He said the tablets will be provided to Mathayom 4-6 students, teachers and education supervisors in the pilot phase, expected to begin next year. It will take four years for the tablet distribution scheme to cover all schools nationwide, Mr Thanu said. The tablet distribution scheme is part of Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob's policy to cut parents' expenses and reduce disparities in opportunities for education.