Cabinet Approves Seven School Safety Measures
The Cabinet approved seven school safety measures following a violent incident at a Nonthaburi school, including mental health support, stricter security screening, and establishment of safety centers across all educational institutions.
On August 11, 2569 at Government House, Education Minister Prasert Chantharwongthong announced that the Ministry of Education had presented school safety measures to the Cabinet for approval. The ministry requested cooperation from all government agencies with schools to implement the Education Ministry's directive on school safety measures, effective immediately.
The announcement followed a violent incident at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi on August 7. The ministry, in coordination with relevant agencies, has established seven key measures: (1) establishing rights, freedom, and safety centers at all educational institutions; (2) accelerating the drafting of a master law on safety and use of communication tools and electronic devices, with public comment open until September 9 before submission to Parliament; (3) conducting strict inspections and screening for illegal items, weapons, and dangerous objects before entry to schools; (4) providing mental health counseling to students, teachers, and staff; (5) preparing for school reopening on August 17, 2569, with support from Chulalongkorn University's psychology team, the Mental Health Crisis Assistance Team (MCATT), the Department of Mental Health, and local psychologists; (6) continuous rehabilitation through psychological assessments and screening at one month, three months, and six months to ensure return to normalcy; and (7) making schools safe zones.
"The Ministry of Education expresses deep concern and sorrow over the incident and extends condolences to the families of the deceased and injured," Prasert said. "We assure parents and the public that student and educational personnel safety is the ministry's highest priority, and we will provide comprehensive psychological care and rehabilitation to all affected individuals."
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister stated that the Education Minister briefed the Cabinet on the measures and that the government is elevating school safety to a national agenda to prevent violence in schools. When asked if there were additional recommendations, the Prime Minister said he had provided input from the Interior Ministry and the Royal Thai Police in their oversight capacity.
