Here are the pics

It was never painted correctly to begin with. You will need to scrape off all that old paint. Maybe even use a stripper on it, if it doesnt all scrape off (looks pretty loose, so can see a lot will scrape right off). Paint shouldnt peel like that. What is there isnt adhered to the surface at all. You need to get it all off. Once paint is off, sand it very well, and then use a good quality primer on it, and finally a good quality paint. You can buy paint that is meant for furniture. Even a cabinet type paint would work well on it.

Cat_ky thank you so much for your feedback!

I'm painting it white again. ok, so the process would be, scrape it off, then buffer it ( any recommendations on what to buffer with?)then apply the primer. ( i suppose I need to let it dry) then paint it white again, right?

Buffer?

Buffer? No, sand. Best results would be with an electric hand sander.

DavidR - thanks for the input. I understand and will certainly comply. Honestly, though, that Stix really is good stuff! Be safe everyone.

One of our forum members who has refinished a lot of doors and such has sung the praises of CitriStrip. After you scrape the loose paint off, if there is a significant amount left, try this stuff, following directions. After nearly all the old paint and finish is removed, you will want to sand with increasingly fine sandpaper - be careful if you use an electric sander, they can over do if you aren't experienced with them. Sand in the direction of the grain of the wood, not in circular motions. You shouldn't need to sand too vigorously, you just want to lightly smooth any rough areas and any glossy areas (so the paint will stick). Start with 150 grit paper then finish with 200.