- A 14-year-old opened fire at a school and killed at least eight people.
- Schools in Thailand conducted active shooter drills on Wednesday, as authorities moved to strengthen security measures two weeks after the attack.
- Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong signed a directive requiring schools to draw up security plans and rehearse emergency response procedures.
- Visitsak Vipattanamongkol, superintendent of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit at the Patrol and Special Operations Division of the police, stated, "Every school is responding because this is a new-age threat that can happen anywhere."
- At the Surasamontree School in Bangkok, students participated in a "run, hide, fight" exercise, with a police officer acting as a mock attacker.
- "I'm impressed and really like this training, because it gives students knowledge and awareness," said Onitcha.
Thai schools are taking proactive measures to enhance safety by conducting active shooter drills, a response to a recent tragic shooting that left at least eight dead.
The drills, held on Wednesday, were mandated by Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who signed a directive on August 10 requiring schools to develop security plans and rehearse emergency procedures.3
At Surasamontree School in Bangkok, students participated in a "run, hide, fight" exercise, simulating a real-life scenario with a police officer acting as a mock attacker.5
Superintendent Visitsak Vipattanamongkol stated, “Every school is responding because this is a new-age threat that can happen anywhere.”4
The drills aim to equip students with knowledge and awareness, as expressed by a student named Onitcha, who remarked, “I’m impressed and really like this training, because it gives students knowledge and awareness.”6
These measures reflect a growing concern over school safety in Thailand, prompting authorities to prioritize security in educational institutions.
“The drills, part of a directive from Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, aim to enhance school security and preparedness. Superintendent Visitsak Vipattanamongkol emphasized the importance of these exercises, stating, 'Every school is responding because this is a new-age threat that can happen anywhere.'”
South China Morning Post
