Bangkok: Hatyai Wittayalai College has announced a shift to online classes for two days following threats made by a former foreign teacher who posted a picture of a gun and threatened to shoot someone. The decision comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff.
According to Thai News Agency, the director of Hat Yai Wittayalai School, Ms. Thivichaya Meechuworapong, lodged a police report at Hat Yai Police Station. The report was filed due to concerns over potential violence akin to a previous incident at Thepsirin Nonthaburi School. The threats were made by a former foreign English teacher who posted messages indicating his intent to use a firearm against the school's administrators and teachers. Additionally, he shared images of himself practicing with a gun and displaying ammunition on the LINE application.
In response, Hatyai Wittayalai School announced online learning from August 10-11 and plans to review and strengthen security measures on campus. This decision follows the termination of the former teacher's contract on July 23rd, effective July 25th, due to violations of employment terms.
Post-termination, the ex-teacher disseminated images, messages, and audio clips via Line containing content perceived as threatening to the school's community. This has resulted in widespread anxiety, prompting the school to file a police report. The shift to online learning aims to safeguard the well-being of all involved and prevent potential harm.
The Hat Yai Police Station, in collaboration with the Songkhla Immigration Bureau, investigated and confirmed that the former teacher left the country on July 19, 2026, with no records of his return. Further checks revealed that his previously registered address is unoccupied.
In light of these developments, Hat Yai Police Station has enacted security measures to monitor relevant individuals and locations. Legal actions are being pursued to address the situation, and the authorities are actively working to maintain public safety while avoiding societal panic.