Royal Decoration Awarded to School Principal Sasisawat Sinsasmorn for Sacrificing Her Life to Protect Students
School principal Sasisawat Sinsasmorn was posthumously awarded Thailand's Most Noble Order of the Thai Crown for sacrificing her life to protect students and staff during a 2025 hostage siege at her Hat Yai school.
The Thai Royal Gazette announced on May 19, 2026, that His Majesty has graciously bestowed the Most Noble Order of the Thai Crown, Fourth Class, upon Ms. Sasisawat Sinsasmorn, former principal of Phatang Prathan Kireevatana School under the Songkhla-Satun Secondary Education Area Office. Principal Sinsasmorn received this honor posthumously in recognition of her selfless service and ultimate sacrifice. During the hostage-taking incident at Phatang Prathan Kireevatana School in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province on February 11, 2025, she voluntarily placed herself at risk to protect and support her teachers and students without abandonment. She agreed to serve as a hostage substitute for the school community, resulting in her being shot, severely wounded, and ultimately killed during the criminal's hostage siege.
