Education Ministry Appoints Deputy Minister Akkhananth as Director of Student and Teacher Rights Protection Center; Schools Must Be Safe Spaces
Thailand's Education Ministry established a new center to protect student and teacher rights, appointing Deputy Minister Akkhananth as its director to coordinate legal and psychological support across schools.
On May 7, 2025, Education Minister Prasert Chantharangtong issued Ministry of Education Order No. 324/2569 establishing the Center for Protecting Rights and Freedoms under the Ministry of Education. The order reflects the ministry's policy commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of students, teachers, and education personnel, ensuring schools and educational institutions become truly "safe spaces." The center will serve as an information hub coordinating lawyers, psychologists, and relevant agencies. The center's primary responsibilities include developing policy recommendations and strategic plans to protect rights and freedoms, serving as a clearinghouse for information and cooperation among legal and psychological professionals, implementing programs to protect rights and build safety and welfare, and collaborating with other relevant organizations. Deputy Minister Akkhananth Kankhittinanth has been appointed as the center's director, with the Education Ministry Permanent Secretary serving as deputy director. The working committee includes the secretaries of the Basic Education Commission, Vocational Education Commission, Education Council, the Director-General of Learning Promotion Department, the secretary of the Private Education Promotion Commission, the Civil Service Commission secretary, and the Thai Teachers Council secretary, along with representatives from the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
