Bangkok: The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) is calling for the construction of safe and strong shelters in schools located near the Thai-Cambodian border. This initiative aims to ensure the safety of students and teachers amid potential threats.
According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Col. Thanu Wongchinda, Secretary-General of OBEC, recently conducted a meeting focusing on the welfare of students and teachers in seven provinces along the border. The OBEC Happiness and Safety Management Center has collected data on schools within 50 kilometers of the border, identifying 16 schools out of a total of 416 that fall into high-risk categories, specifically the 'red group' due to their proximity to the border.
Currently, there are 160 bomb shelters available for these schools. For schools lacking such facilities, OBEC is working urgently with relevant agencies to construct safe and secure bomb shelters. Furthermore, all schools have been directed to thoroughly practice their emergency response plans. This includes assigning responsibilities, planning evacuation strategies, and ensuring the availability of warning signals, food, medicine, and essential equipment. A structured procedure for exiting bomb shelters once the situation stabilizes is also in place. The emphasis is particularly strong on rehearsals for the 'red group' schools to ensure the safety of all students and teachers.