The Ministry of Education announced new control measures, psychological support, and financial assistance for the victims, while UNICEF called for strengthening mental health services to prevent further tragedies.
Bangkok, Thailand. The Ministry of Education of Thailand announced this Friday that it will strengthen security measures in the country’s educational centers, following the shooting that occurred at a school in Nonthaburi province, where a 14-year-old teenager murdered five school staff members, after having previously killed his grandparents.
In a statement, the institution expressed its “profound regret” for the tragedy and assured that the safety and emotional well-being of students, teachers, and educational staff will be a priority. Furthermore, it urged parents to verify that their children returned home safe and sound and to remain attentive to their emotional state.
Read more: Teenager kills five teachers at a school in Thailand after murdering his grandparents
As part of the measures, the ministry reported that it will review security protocols in all schools, with special emphasis on preventing the entry of weapons and other dangerous objects into educational facilities. It also called a national meeting with educational district directors to coordinate new prevention and protection actions.
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The authorities also announced an economic assistance program for the affected families. The relatives of each deceased victim will receive compensation of 20,000 baht (about 600 dollars), while the injured individuals will receive 5,000 baht (around 150 dollars) to contribute to the expenses derived from the attack.
For its part, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed its concern regarding the young age of the attacker and considered that the case raises “difficult questions” for society. The agency urged strengthening mental health services aimed at children and adolescents and working to ensure that schools remain free from any form of violence, both physical and emotional.
Likewise, the Thai Deputy Prime Minister reported that the Government will present a new national mental health plan to provide psychological support to students, teachers, and communities affected by the tragedy, while investigations continue into the attack and the minor’s access to the firearm used.
