Sisaket: The Ministry of Education and the Office of the Basic Education Commission conducted a visit to schools on the Thai-Cambodian border in Sisaket Province, focusing on implementing an emergency response plan to safeguard students and teachers in these high-risk areas.
According to Thai News Agency, the visit, led by Pol. Gen. Permpoon Chidchob, Minister of Education, included Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Assistant Minister of Education, Lt. Col. Thanu Wongchinda, Secretary-General of the Basic Education Commission, and Mr. Phuthon Chanthahong Punyajaratthamrong, Assistant Secretary-General of the Basic Education Commission. They visited Ban Phum Charon School and Phum Charon Witthaya School, which are under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Primary and Secondary Educational Service Areas in Si Sa Ket and Yasothon. These schools are in border areas that are potentially affected by international unrest. During the visit, the Minister of Education outlined educational policies, offered encouragement to the school personnel, and joined representatives from the Connext ED Foundation in presenting notebook computers to both schools. The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Anupong Suksomnit, Governor of Si Sa Ket Province, as well as executives, teachers, and students from the edu cational institutions.
Pol. Gen. Phemphun emphasized the importance of seeing the conditions in the border areas firsthand, listening to issues and suggestions directly from those involved, and assuring that every school and individual in these areas is valued equally. He stressed that education should not be hindered by geographical or security challenges and assured that the Ministry is committed to enhancing the quality of education, safety, and overall development. The Ministry aims to work closely with security agencies to ensure that every school has a modern and systematic emergency response plan to protect teachers and students. He noted the dedication of the schools in these areas, which continue to strive for their students' welfare despite numerous challenges. The Ministry plans to support their efforts by providing learning equipment, developing teachers, and enhancing security measures.
Lt. Col. Thanu highlighted the urgency of prioritizing school safety in the seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border due to recent unrest. The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has sent urgent letters to educational service areas, urging schools to establish clear incident response plans, conduct regular rehearsals, and ensure readiness for emergencies. He emphasized the importance of being prepared in terms of infrastructure, communication, and collaboration with security forces, as well as fostering understanding among parents and the community. During emergency situations, quick response, accuracy, and effective communication are crucial for protecting students, teachers, and educational personnel.
Ban Phum Charon School and Phum Charon Witthaya School have been actively preparing and rehearsing their emergency response plans with local agencies, establishing safe zones and emergency alert systems. The Ministry of Education underlined the importance of welfare and educational quality, aligning with the policy of 'Good learning, happy learning' to ensure that education in all regions is safe, equitable, and sustainable.