Thailand’s cabinet has approved an Education Ministry’s proposal to elevate school safety to a national agenda, following a mass shooting at a secondary school outside Bangkok last week that killed nine people.
Deputy government spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn said, the move aims to strengthen prevention and response at educational institutions systematically, protecting children, teachers and education personnel nationwide. Under a ministry announcement effective immediately, Ms Patdarasm said all schools have been designated School Safety Zones and must set up centres for the protection of rights, liberties and safety on their premises. In a statement, she said the core of the approach is preventing risk before an incident occurs through strict searches and screening for weapons, illegal items and dangerous objects before entry, alongside mental health support systems covering both the physical and psychological welfare of students, teachers and staff.
