Bangkok: Members of Parliament from the People's Party have issued a statement urging immediate action on rising violence in schools and have submitted a draft for new legislation aimed at protecting children and families. This initiative comes in response to a recent violent incident at a school in Chonburi province, which has raised concerns about safety in educational environments.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Natthaya Boonphakdee, speaking on behalf of the People's Party during a press conference, expressed condolences to those affected by the Chonburi school incident. She emphasized that despite existing policies from the Ministry of Education, violence continues to be a significant issue in schools, with daily reports of such incidents in September. The People's Party is actively working on a draft law to address this concern.
Mr. Teerasak Chiratrachoo highlighted that school violence extends beyond physical altercations to include verbal abuse, which is rampant in Thai schools. While he acknowledged the government's efforts, including response plans and legislative proposals, he stressed the need for a dedicated law focused on school violence. He pointed out that schools should not bear the full responsibility for addressing violence, as it also occurs in families and communities.
The People's Party advocates for a collaborative approach involving multiple government ministries, such as the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and the Ministry of Interior, to comprehensively address the issue. Ms. Patsarin Ramwong, an MP from Bangkok, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of systemic regulation to protect victims and prevent lifelong suffering resulting from domestic violence.
Ms. Narumas Piambandit, representing Chonburi Constituency 6, raised concerns about firearm access and the need for mental health assessments for those authorized to carry weapons. She called for standardized readiness assessments and rigorous control systems to prevent misuse of firearms in personal conflicts.
Concluding the press conference, Ms. Nattaya urged the media and public to responsibly disseminate information about violent incidents to prevent copycat behaviors. She recommended including hotline numbers in news reports to provide assistance and counseling, aiming to foster a culture of peace rather than violence in Thai society.