Bangkok, Thailand – In response to a tragic school shooting that left at least eight dead, Thai schools started active‑shooter drills on Wednesday. The drills, mandated by Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong on Aug. 10, require each school to develop a security plan and rehearse emergency response procedures.
At Surasamontree School, students participated in a “run, hide, fight” exercise. A police officer, dressed in black and acting as a mock attacker, used a handgun and a semi‑automatic rifle loaded with blanks. Students practiced fleeing the gunman, hiding under tables and behind locked doors, and using furniture to block entry points. In one scenario, a group of students tackled and restrained the mock attacker after he entered the classroom.
School officials said the training aims to give students the knowledge and confidence to react calmly if a real emergency occurs. Director Onitcha Kochana praised the drills, noting they help turn a serious threat into a manageable situation.
Security measures have also been stepped up. Schools are now conducting daily metal‑detector checks and bag searches. Teachers demonstrated handheld detectors and displayed sharp objects confiscated from students.
Visitsak Vipattanamongkol, superintendent of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit at the Patrol and Special Operations Division, said the drills reflect a “new‑age threat that can happen anywhere.” He added that schools across the country are on alert, adjusting plans and preparing students to respond to any form of incident or threat.
What this means for Thai education
The directive underscores a broader push by Thai authorities to improve school safety after the unprecedented attack. While the drills focus on immediate response, officials also plan to review broader security protocols, including the presence of armed personnel on campuses and the handling of weapons.
Parents and educators have expressed mixed reactions. Some welcome the added preparedness, while others worry about the psychological impact of such drills on young learners. The Ministry of Education has indicated that counseling services will be made available to students who need support.
As Thailand grapples with this tragedy, the new security measures aim to reassure families that schools are taking concrete steps to protect children and staff.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
