Thailand sets 90-day school safety plan after fatal shooting

Bangkok, 8 August 2026 — Five ministries have united to launch a 90-day national school safety plan in the wake of a fatal shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School. The government intends to implement stricter mental health screening, a zero-tolerance policy on bullying, and enhanced checks for weapons and prohibited items. The plan, discussed at an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat, aims to restore confidence among parents and the public by ensuring every child's safety in schools.

The plan consists of immediate measures for reopening schools and a 90-day national safety standard.

Immediate measures focus on psychological recovery and initial safety screening, including nationwide mental health assistance channels, mental health volunteer teams, and temporary classroom closures. A 90-day national school safety standard will be submitted to the Cabinet, encompassing regular mental health screenings, an effective referral system for at-risk students, a "Train the Trainer" program for teachers, and a rights protection centre on the Traffy Fondue platform.

Schools will also conduct emergency drills and inspect potential risk areas. Yodchanan emphasized that parents should be vigilant about changes in their children's behavior and seek psychiatric advice if needed. The Education Ministry is preparing a regulation authorizing school administrators and disciplinary teachers to search bags and belongings of students considered at risk.

Debsirin Nonthaburi School will suspend classes for a week to assess the situation and improve internal safety measures.