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Deputy Education Minister Orders Nationwide Survey of Abandoned Scout Camps, Stresses Child Safety

Politic29 May 2026 14:28 GMT+7

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Deputy Education Minister Orders Nationwide Survey of Abandoned Scout Camps, Stresses Child Safety

Deputy Minister Akkharanat ordered the National Scout Office to inspect all abandoned scout camps across the country, stressing the safety of every camp before any camping activities. He urged schools to rigorously check safety measures, emphasizing that children's learning should never come at the cost of risk, and that parents must be assured.


On 29 May 2026, Mr. Akkharanat Kankittinan, Deputy Minister of Education and supervisor of the National Scout Office, issued a letter directing the Secretary-General of the National Scout Office to inspect and compile data on scout activity locations to ensure readiness. He instructed a report on the condition and readiness of neglected, damaged, and currently unused scout sites to be submitted to the National Scout Office. Simultaneously, schools nationwide were asked to prepare their facilities and safety measures for scout activities during the upcoming school term, as many schools are preparing to conduct such activities.


Mr. Akkharanat stated that scout activities build discipline, perseverance, and life skills in children, but all activities must prioritize safety first. He requested every school to check that activity sites are stable, sturdy, and safe, free from hazards such as holes, pits, electrical wires, or sharp objects. Schools must also establish thorough emergency plans, ensure proper accommodation, food, drinking water, and hygienic restrooms, protect against disease-carrying animals, and have all necessary equipment ready—especially first aid kits and personnel capable of caring for students throughout the activities.


“The start of the school term is when children participate in scout activities, especially camping. I ask all schools to seriously prioritize safety inspections. Safety must come first. Teachers should closely supervise students at every step. We must never trade off children’s learning for risk,” said Mr. Akkharanat.


Mr. Akkharanat added that every student is the nation's future, and schools must thoroughly inspect and care for all aspects to allow children to learn and engage in activities safely and happily. The Ministry of Education will closely follow up on schools' implementation to raise safety standards for scout activities and build parents’ confidence during the new school term.