‘Run, hide, fight’: Thai schools launch active shooter drills after deadly attack

Bangkok, Aug 19 — Thai schools conducted active shooter drills on Wednesday in response to a deadly attack two weeks prior. The Surasamontree School in Bangkok hosted a "run, hide, fight" exercise, simulating a real-world crisis. A police officer in black served as a mock attacker, wielding a handgun and assault rifle firing blanks.

Students responded by fleeing the gunman, hiding under tables, or barricading entrances with furniture. One scenario saw students successfully tackle and pin down the attacker after he entered the classroom. The drills followed a directive from Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong on Aug 10, which mandates all schools to develop security plans and conduct emergency response rehearsals.

Visitsak Vipattanamongkol, superintendent of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit at the Patrol and Special Operations Division, explained that every school is on alert and preparing to handle various threats. Beyond the drills, the school has increased security measures, including bag searches and metal detectors. Teachers demonstrated handheld detectors and displayed confiscated sharp objects.

Surasamontree School director Onitcha Kochana emphasized the importance of the training for student preparedness, stating that the knowledge gained could help turn serious situations into less severe ones.