Education Minister Narumon Phinyosinwat tearfully visited students and Patong Prathankiriwat School after a shooting attack, emphasizing full medical care and psychological support. She revealed that the Prime Minister is concerned and has ordered funds from the Prime Minister's Office to aid the family of the sacrificed school director.
On 12 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Narumon Phinyosinwat, Minister of Education, traveled to Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, accompanied by Suthep Kaengsantiya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, and Pichet Phophakdi, Secretary-General of the Basic Education Commission. They visited and encouraged students injured and currently hospitalized at Songklanagarind Hospital due to a gunman who seized a weapon from police and attacked Patong Prathankiriwat School.
Narumon spoke in detail with doctors and parents, personally donating some money to assist the students' families. She praised the students for their composure and strength during the crisis.
"This incident is deeply distressing. The Ministry of Education is not indifferent. I came to encourage the children and their families and commend the courage and composure of the students who managed to control themselves well in this critical situation. I spoke with the doctors; overall, the patients are stable. I urge the children to rest fully without worrying about their studies. The ministry will provide full support, including medical treatment and psychological care."
Afterwards, Narumon went to Patong Prathankiriwat School to receive a situation report from forensic officials who had collected additional evidence at the school. She closely monitored the school's security measures and encouraged the administrators, teachers, students, and affected parents.
Narumon told the media that the Ministry of Education has closely monitored the situation since yesterday and reported to the Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, who planned to visit and encourage teachers and students in the area. The Prime Minister expressed concern for the safety of students, teachers, and staff, and directed the use of the Prime Minister's Office budget to assist the family of Ms. Sasipatch Sinsohm, the school director who died protecting the students, as well as to provide psychological support to all affected individuals.
Narumon added that this was an unexpected incident, as the attacker seized a firearm from police and suddenly entered the school. Although security guards were stationed at the school entrance, the situation developed rapidly. Fortunately, no security personnel were injured, and all parties worked hard to prioritize protecting the students.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Education coordinated with school administrators, school boards, and local agencies to closely care for the mental health of teachers, students, and parents. They arranged for counselors and psychologists to provide ongoing psychological rehabilitation. They also coordinated with Hat Yai Hospital and Songklanagarind Hospital to fully support psychological services. Additional police were deployed to enhance security urgently, as teachers and students at the school and nearby schools remain on edge. During the interview, the reporter observed Narumon's voice trembling and her eyes red throughout.
At 16:00 GMT+7, Narumon will attend the royal water-pouring funeral ceremony for Ms. Sasipatch Sinsohm, the director of Patong Prathankiriwat School, at Yung Thong Temple to express condolences and honor the deceased.