Bangkok: The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has assured that teachers stationed in temporary shelters will not be compelled to work under unsafe or overwhelming conditions.

According to Thai News Agency, recent social media discussions have highlighted concerns regarding the deployment of teachers and staff to assist in student care within temporary shelters. These discussions have raised questions about the workload and the situation of teachers who themselves may need to be evacuated.

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Thanu Wongchinda, Secretary-General of OBEC, has reaffirmed that the safety of students, teachers, and educational staff is of paramount importance. He stated that OBEC does not have a policy that forces teachers to carry out duties in potentially unsafe or unsuitable environments, particularly during times of uncertainty.

OBEC has stressed the need for educational service area offices in the seven border provinces affected by conflict to act with caution. These offices are urged to adhere to the principles of “voluntariness and safety” when managing student care in shelters, ensuring that teachers and staff are not overburdened during this period.

Thanu further highlighted that, following the instructions from the Minister of Education, school directors in high-risk areas must use their judgment to close classes swiftly based on local assessments. They are advised against taking any actions that could endanger or strain teachers and staff.