School Children Study Under Mango Trees After Building Demolished

On June 30, residents of Ban Taluk Hin in Phichit Province's Sak Sai District filed complaints after 41 elementary students lost their classroom when school officials auctioned off the decrepit building to a private contractor in late May. Teachers and parents were forced to relocate classes to a mango orchard shelter near the school to escape rain during monsoon season—a hardship that sparked serious concerns. The original structure, over 50 years old and structurally unsafe, was demolished without any funding secured for a new facility, leaving parents questioning where the auction proceeds went and how much was received. After officials rejected the village temple as inadequate due to lack of electricity and internet, students ended up studying under the mango trees. When Governor Thaniya Naiyapinit visited the site with provincial officials and education leaders, parents requested the temporary move to Taluk Hin Temple instead. The abbot approved the transfer for the children's safety. Governor Thaniya acknowledged the urgency, stating she fears children face danger from traffic near the mango orchard location. She pledged to fast-track emergency funding for temporary classrooms, which villagers and alumni have already begun contributing toward. Provincial education officials were instructed to pursue permanent reconstruction budget applications to ensure students have a safe, standard learning environment.