Minister Narumon Tearfully Visits Students at Patong School After Shooting Incident

On February 12, 2026, in Songkhla province, Minister Narumon Phinyo Sinwat traveled to Hat Yai district with the Permanent Secretary of Education and the Secretary of the Basic Education Commission to visit and support injured students receiving treatment at Prince of Songkla University Hospital. The incident involved an armed assailant who stole a weapon from police and stormed Patong Pradorn Khiriwat School. Minister Narumon spoke with doctors and parents in detail, personally donating money to help the students' families. She praised the students' composure and strength during the critical moment, stating the incident was deeply distressing. She emphasized that the Ministry of Education is fully committed to supporting the students' medical treatment and psychological recovery. The minister later visited the school to receive situation reports from forensic teams, closely monitor safety measures, and provide support to administrators, teachers, and affected families. Prime Minister Anupong Paochinda expressed concern and approved using government budget to support the families, especially of school director Sasiphat Sinmosorn, who died protecting students. Narumon described the incident as unexpected, noting that despite security personnel, the sudden attack occurred quickly. The Ministry of Education is coordinating with school administrators and local agencies to provide continuous psychological support, including dispatching counseling teachers and psychologists to help those affected.