UDON THANI – The school manager at a private school in Nong Chang, Uthai Thani, has confirmed progress on the case where a grade 11 student physically assaulted a female teacher over dissatisfaction with their midterm math score.
The incident is under investigation by a multidisciplinary team. The student, known for good grades and active participation in school activities, is attending classes online to avoid missing out on education.
Both the student and his parents brought a garland to formally apologize to the teacher.
On Wednesday, the school atmosphere returned to normal after a four-day closure for Mother’s Day. While 2,000 students resumed regular classes, including the female teacher who was attacked, leading to eye bruising, a swollen head and inflamed ribs.
The school manager, Mr. Sombun Thiprangsi, told the Manager Online that right after the incident on August 5, the school called in the management team to review the facts. The student was sent home and assigned work to complete at home and submit online.
Following the four-day closure, the school continued with remote learning for the student involved. School staff aim to support the student’s education and well-being, noting the student’s positive history without any previous signs of problems.
The staff remains mindful of the student’s physical and mental state while providing supervision as needed.
Teacher May Sue
Regarding the injured teacher, Ms. Porntip (known as Teacher Nulek) was taken immediately to Nong Chang Hospital for examination and care, including X-rays and psychological support. She has filed an assault report with the police and may seek financial compensation from the students’ parents.
The police said the Teacher, the School Director and the parents are working to resolve the situation.
The school worked with the hospital to make sure the teacher did not have to pay for treatment, as per the Buddhist charity school’s agreements with education offices. Colleagues visited Ms. Porntip and offered personal support until her recovery.
Looking ahead, the school plans to strengthen its student-monitoring system. Homeroom teachers, grade-level heads and facility supervisors will work more closely to watch for issues and prevent similar incidents.
The student who caused the incident is still enrolled at the school and attending online lessons, with no plans to transfer for now. After the teacher was hospitalized, the student’s parents visited and apologized in person with their child present.
They consulted school staff about concerns for the student’s future schooling options.
School Violence Concerns
The outcome of the investigation by the multidisciplinary team is pending. The student is only 17 years old, so all parties are focused on supporting both the teacher’s recovery and the student’s path forward.
The school will help organize a transfer if necessary, making sure the student can continue their education elsewhere if needed, while also keeping teachers’ morale high.
The school cannot speak for the motives behind the student’s actions, but stress and anxiety are possible factors. The student has always been active and responsible, often helping to lead the morning national anthem with a close friend, showing strong involvement in school life.
Student violence in Thailand has become a growing concern, with this incident highlighting issues in schools. This incident reflects a broader rise in student-on-teacher and student-on-student violence.
For example, in November 2024, a female student in Bangkok attacked a younger peer, sparking a national discussion on bullying, and a 12-year-old in Ubon Ratchathani stabbed a classmate.
A 2020 Department of Mental Health survey ranked Thailand second globally for bullying, with 600,000 students victimized. A 2023 Public Health Ministry study found 44.2% of students faced emotional or physical harassment, mostly in schools.
