BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s education ministry will unveil six nationwide school safety measures to the cabinet on August 11 after a gun attack at Thepsirin Nonthaburi.
Education Minister Prasert Chantharawongthong will present the package at the cabinet meeting. Other ministries will give their opinions before the measures are implemented.
Six security measures for schools
Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education Minister Yotschanan Wongsawat said steps have already been taken at various schools. Protecting students and staff is the highest priority.
Psychiatry to help with planning
Yotschanan announced a discussion with the Secretary-General of the Royal College of Psychiatry in Thailand. The talks will cover psychological issues related to school safety.
The topic should no longer rest solely with the Education Ministry. Because of its sensitivity, it must be handled at the national level.
said Yotschanan, deputy prime minister and higher education minister.
Agencies seek common approach
The problems must be tackled as a whole, Yotschanan said when asked about possible pressure from teachers on students. The Office of Mental Health and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security will also be involved.
Discussions with the Royal College of Psychiatry on a joint approach have already taken place. Planning is now being seriously elevated to a higher level.
Hat Yai case under review
Yotschanan also addressed a case at a school in the Hat Yai district of Songkhla province. There, the employment of a foreign teacher was terminated, and later this person allegedly threatened violence.
The Education Ministry is already handling the case. The safety of students and staff is the top priority.
said Yotschanan.