Children's attendance low as schools at the border reopen
Border Clashes Affect School Reopenings in Thailand's Surin and Buri Ram Districts
Parents and students in the border districts of Surin and Buri Ram, Thailand, are facing anxiety as ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continue to pose a threat to their safety. The conflict, which has resulted in civilian casualties, infrastructure damage, and school closures, has prompted mass evacuations and temporary school closures [1][2][3].
In response, Thai authorities have closed 751 schools along the border in high-risk areas to protect students and staff. The Education Ministry has announced that these measures will remain in place until the security situation stabilizes and safe conditions are guaranteed [1][2][3].
The border clashes stem from long-standing territorial disputes around culturally significant sites like the 12th-century Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, which frequently sees military patrols and skirmishes. The conflict escalation since late July 2025 has heightened fears, prompting mass evacuations of over 100,000 people and giving rise to widespread insecurity among communities [2][4].
Schools near the frontline, such as Ban Dan School in Kap Choeng district, have postponed classes until at least Friday and opted for online classes during this period [1][3]. Residents near the Thai-Cambodian border are expressing growing fears of renewed conflict following a landmine explosion near the Ta Muean Thom temple in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district on Tuesday, which cost a Thai paramilitary soldier one of his legs [1].
Despite the challenges, some schools in several border districts of Surin, including Phanom Dong Rak, Kap Choeng, Sangkha, and Buachet, have reopened. However, attendance has been low due to parental concerns about safety following the explosion [1].
Privy Councillor Gen Dapong Ratanasuwan has met with Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) officials to discuss solutions regarding the border clashes. Obec is preparing alternative classes for affected students, using methods such as onsite learning in safe areas, DLTV broadcasts, online classes, on-demand classes via applications, and take-home worksheets [2].
Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat has instructed schools to prioritize the safety of their personnel and students, and to reopen only when it is safe [2]. Acting Sub-Lieutenant Thanu Wongchinda, secretary-general of Obec, reported that of the 751 schools initially closed due to border clashes, 736 have reopened, with 15 still shut pending security clearance [1].
The first day of school in the border districts of Surin was marked by anxiety and near-empty classrooms, with fewer than 40% of students showing up [1]. There have been rumours about Cambodian military reinforcements during the ceasefire period, and some community leaders have advised residents to pack essentials in case of emergency evacuation [1].
As the situation continues to evolve, Thai authorities and education officials are working diligently to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff in the affected border districts. The Education Ministry remains committed to finding solutions to ensure uninterrupted learning for affected students.
[1] Thai PBS [2] Bangkok Post [3] The Nation [4] Reuters
- The ongoing border clashes in Thailand's Surin and Buri Ram districts, which have led to school closures and mass evacuations, have sparked discussions in the realm of education-and-self-development, as authorities and education ministries strive to ensure uninterrupted learning for affected students.
- The escalation of border disputes, including the recent landmine explosion in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district, has become a significant topic in the general-news sphere, influencing political deliberations surrounding security and regional stability in Thailand, particularly in the border districts of Surin and Buri Ram.