Hat Yai School Goes Online After Teacher Threat Scare
Hatyai School switched to online classes August 10-11 after a terminated South African English teacher posted threatening images and messages online, though police confirmed he had already left Thailand on July 19.
Hatyaiwittayalai School in Songkhla will switch to online classes on 10-11 August following alleged threats by a former foreign English teacher who posted images of guns and threatening messages online after his contract was terminated.
The school said on 8 August that it had terminated the contract of a South African teacher in its English Programme on 24 July over alleged conduct that breached the terms of his employment. After the termination, the former teacher allegedly posted images of firearms, messages and audio clips in a LINE open chat group containing provocative and threatening content.
The posts caused concern among school administrators, staff, students and parents, prompting the school to report the matter to Hat Yai Police Station and consider legal action. The school said the temporary switch to online learning was intended to protect students and staff and prevent any incident that could threaten lives, physical safety or property.
Hat Yai police, working with Songkhla immigration officers, said they had checked the former teacher's records and found that he left Thailand on 19 July and there was no record of him returning. Officers also checked his former residence and found that no one was living there.
Police said they are maintaining security measures around the school and other relevant locations while legal proceedings are underway. The school has also been advised to strengthen security measures and prepare for potential risks.
The school urged students, parents and staff to follow official updates and carefully verify information before sharing it to avoid confusion or panic.
