Thai schools step up security after deadly shooting

Students at Bangkok's Sawasdee Wittaya School underwent thorough bag and personal checks on Friday as part of heightened security measures implemented nationwide after a fatal shooting last week. Headteacher Suparong Sawangngamwong oversaw the new protocols, which aim to ensure parents feel confident about their children's safety at school.

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An incident like this should not have happened in a school.

The incident on August 7, where a 14-year-old killed his grandparents, five school staff, and a student before taking his own life, prompted the government to order all schools to step up controls. Previously, Sawasdee Wittaya School only conducted random bag checks on older students or those with behavioral issues. Now, all students are subject to inspection upon arrival.

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I hoped the inspections will ensure "parents can be at ease", assuring them school is a safe place "where parents trust their children can spend their days".

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has mandated schools under its jurisdiction to screen for weapons, maintain constant security, and enforce strict visitor entry policies. Parents like Araya Chanu, whose daughter attends the school, expressed relief, stating, "The school should be a safe zone for kids." She believes that parental cooperation with schools will enhance the effectiveness of these measures.

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But now we do it for everyone.

While the school already conducts regular emergency drills with local police and has security personnel and teachers on duty, Suparong highlighted the need for more funding. He pointed out that some CCTV cameras are non-operational and more are required. The assailant in the recent attack used his grandfather's firearm, reigniting discussions about gun control in Thailand, a country known for its high rates of gun ownership in the region.

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The school should be a safe zone for kids.