Bangkok: OBEC receives concerns from ‘Sema 1’, expedites care for students and teachers in border areas, emphasizes readiness to handle the situation, confident in the safety of schools in risk areas.

According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Col. Thanu Wongchinda, Secretary-General of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), disclosed that due to the ongoing conflict on the Thai-Cambodian border, the Ministry of Education, under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Education, along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Linthiporn Warinwatcharoj and Mr. Tewan Liptapanlop, Deputy Minister of Education, has expressed significant concern for the welfare of students, teachers, and personnel in schools situated in the seven border provinces. They have tasked OBEC with ensuring the safety and well-being of these individuals by enforcing the highest level of safety measures and maintaining confidence in the schools’ ability to protect students through preparedness and regular incident response drills.

Schools in high-risk ‘red zones’, particularly those near the border, totaling 239 institutions, have established standard bunkers and implemented warning systems. These schools have also systematically stockpiled food, medicine, and necessary supplies while regularly rehearsing emergency response plans to ensure that both teachers and students can swiftly implement safety procedures during emergencies.

The Secretary-General emphasized that OBEC is coordinating closely with local security and relevant agencies to continually assess and monitor the situation, allowing for prompt adjustments to safety measures as risk levels change.

Lt. Col. Thanu assured that regardless of the duration or direction of the situation, the Office of the Basic Education Commission is committed to ensuring the physical and mental safety of students, teachers, and staff. OBEC is prepared to collaborate with local administrations to transform schools into safe havens and community refuges during crises.