Former Deputy Minister of Education Linthiporn Warinwachararoen observes that violence in society reflects a mental health crisis among Thais following multiple violent incidents that forced school closures. She proposes three measures to urgently address root causes and reduce violence in society and schools, and her statement highlights the urgency of the problem.
On 21 February 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Linthiporn Warinwachararoen, Deputy Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party and former Deputy Minister of Education, posted on her personal page regarding incidents involving a gunman in Pathum Thani Province and an armed individual in Kuraburi District, Phang Nga Province. These events caused several educational institutions to temporarily close classes to prevent potential harm.
Ms. Linthiporn said that over the past two days, numerous reports of violence in society have emerged. Although not all incidents occurred directly in schools, their impact always reaches classrooms. Children, teachers, and families face anxiety and insecurity. When such incidents repeatedly happen within a short period, schools often bear the initial impact, having to make quick decisions, communicate immediately with parents, and maintain a conducive learning environment during vulnerable times.
Ms. Linthiporn added that from her experience, many schools already have crisis response plans, with some performing very well in drills, communication, and caring for children during real situations. However, preparedness varies across regions. She therefore calls on the Ministry of Education
1. To establish a systematic plan for this issue, including clear monthly drills in every school, accessible to all schools and areas, so that all children and teachers receive protection under the same standards.
2. To enhance understanding among teachers and students by focusing on positive disciplinary measures that emphasize empathy and expressing feelings instead of punishment. Bullying among students should not be overlooked; care must be provided both to victims and perpetrators to reduce all forms of violence in schools.
3. To address the mental health problems of Thais, recognizing disparities in access to psychological services across regions and resources. The system should increase helpline capacity to listen to problems and relieve anxiety, as well as identify and monitor at-risk groups in communities to provide mental health relief or treatment. In situations like these, emotional safety should be a foundational element of education for Thai children and community members.
Ultimately, this issue extends beyond the education system to the society we want to live in together—a society where children can grow up without normalizing violence and where schools are genuinely safe spaces. Creating a safe, violence-free society is not the school’s sole responsibility but a shared duty of all of us.
"Meaningful education should begin with children feeling safe, understanding, and empathizing with others, preparing them to grow both in classrooms and in society where they live together with mutual understanding."