Minister Narumon ordered the Office of the Basic Education Commission to closely follow the situation of a man who went berserk invading a school in central Hat Yai, taking students and teachers hostage. She affirmed the Ministry of Education is fully ready to assist and is rushing to strengthen strict safety measures nationwide.
On 11 Feb 2026 at 16:45 GMT+7, a man went berserk and stormed Patong Prathan Keerawat School in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. He used a weapon causing injuries and took students and teachers hostage, causing great alarm among teachers, students, and parents in the area.
Recently, Professor Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Education, revealed she has received reports about the incident and is deeply concerned for the safety of students, teachers, and all staff. She has ordered the Office of the Basic Education Commission to coordinate with the local education office and the provincial education office in Hat Yai to urgently investigate the facts on site.
Preliminary reports indicate the incident was not terrorism but an act by a mentally unstable individual who took students and teachers hostage. However, a thorough investigation will be conducted to clarify the facts, leaving it to local police to proceed with legal investigations according to proper procedures.
The Minister of Education emphasized that the Ministry will expedite full assistance to students, teachers, administrators, and staff affected, including safety and psychological support, to restore morale as soon as possible. Reports indicate Patong Prathan Keerawat School has strict emergency plans and security measures, with administrators and teachers following procedures carefully during the incident. Going forward, the Ministry will collaborate with security agencies and education offices to review and enhance school security measures nationwide.
"Additional measures to be implemented include stricter screening of persons entering and leaving schools, regular rehearsal of emergency response plans, close monitoring and care for students, and establishing psychological support systems to assure teachers, students, and parents that schools remain safe learning environments. The Ministry of Education affirms it will closely monitor the situation and take all necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future."