School Director Admits Using Force, Disciplinary Committee Convenes
A Chiang Mai school principal admitted to striking a student on the head during a flag ceremony, prompting an investigation and disciplinary committee after video of the incident went viral on social media.
A school principal in Mae Waang District, Chiang Mai, has admitted to striking a student on the head during a flag-raising ceremony after a video went viral. The Chiang Mai Primary Education Area Office District 4 has established an investigative committee and deployed a team to provide psychological support to the child and family.
Parents posted security camera footage complaining that the principal struck a male student on the head while children lined up for the flag ceremony. The video captured a clear sound of impact before the administrator asked the child, "Who else wants this?" The incident occurred on a classroom veranda while students were lined up for an activity, with two boys playfully roughhousing. Parents objected to the use of force and demanded that authorities investigate.
After the video was shared on July 31, 2566, widespread criticism erupted, with calls for the principal to be investigated and disciplined if violence was confirmed. On August 23, 2566, Sayan Kamlua, deputy director of the Chiang Mai Primary Education Area Office District 4, announced that the incident occurred on July 8, 2566. After receiving the complaint, the office immediately dispatched two investigative teams.
The personnel division launched an inquiry, forming a disciplinary committee against the principal. Investigators found that the school, which serves kindergarten through sixth grade with 58 students and 8 teachers, had all staff conducting examinations elsewhere that day, leaving the principal alone to manage the school and teach. During the morning assembly, children became unruly as usual, and the principal issued multiple warnings. Amid the commotion, stressed and acting on impulse, the principal disciplined the child by striking him, later admitting to losing composure and using force. The education office is proceeding with disciplinary measures, which may include transfer out of the area and punishment according to committee decision and ministry regulations.
Meanwhile, a promotion team with a psychologist visited to provide mental health support to the punished student and his family, with reconciliation and mediation talks between both parties planned this week. The school has security cameras accessible to teachers, school board members, and parents for monitoring purposes. The footage was shared online when it became newsworthy.
