Bangkok: A spokesperson for the Ministry of Education revealed that due to the unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border, 1,168 educational institutions in 7 provinces have temporarily suspended classes for safety reasons. The spokesperson also praised personnel from all sectors for their cooperation in caring for the public.
According to Thai News Agency, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Thanun Wongjinda, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, stated that several educational institutions have temporarily suspended classes due to the escalating unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border. As of 8:30 AM, a total of 1,168 schools in seven provinces – Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat – have been affected. This includes 1,101 schools under the Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC), 10 schools under the Office of Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), 21 schools under the Office of Private Education Commission (OPEC), and 36 schools under the Office of Private Education Commission (OPEC). To date, there have been no reports of loss of life or property damage to students or educational personnel.
All affiliated agencies are urgently upgrading measures to protect students and personnel. The Minister of Education commended school administrators, teachers, educational personnel, and district officials for their timely actions in closing schools, adjusting teaching methods, and coordinating with local administration and security agencies. This includes their support in establishing temporary shelters as coordinated by local areas in all border provinces.
Regarding the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), Sub-Lieutenant Thanun stated that teachers, staff, and students have supported the preparation of shelters in Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. Their contributions include improving facilities, checking electrical systems, repairing essential equipment, organizing kitchen teams, and preparing waiting areas to ensure the shelters can adequately and continuously accommodate the public. This is considered a crucial support force in alleviating the workload of local agencies during this unusual time.
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has instructed schools to proceed with flexible learning arrangements to ensure uninterrupted learning, allowing children to learn anytime, anywhere. This includes online learning, assignment-based teaching, and stress-relief activities for children in shelters. Preparations are also underway to distribute relief packages and learning materials to the affected areas. Central administrators will visit the areas on December 12th.
Meanwhile, the Department of Learning Promotion (DLP) held an online meeting to prepare for its field mission, mobilizing volunteer teams from 14 provinces to provide support to learners and the public in Sisaket and Surin provinces. This included organizing motivational activities, providing knowledge, setting up learning corners, and preparing short-term vocational training courses to ensure that learning continues even in these unusual circumstances. This reflects the role of the DLP as a vital force in creating learning opportunities that help improve the quality of life and educational opportunities for people of all ages.