UDON THANI – A private school in Uthai Thani Province, northeast Thailand, is at the centre of public anger after a Grade 11 student violently attacked his female maths teacher. The student, upset with his midterm result, left the teacher needing urgent hospital care.

The shocking incident occurred on August 5th, 2025, when a 17-year-old boy at a private Uthai Thani school received 18 out of 20 on his maths exam. He confronted his teacher, demanding to know why he didn’t get full marks. The teacher explained he had the correct answers, but lost two points for not showing his work. She suggested he speak to other teachers for a second opinion.

After hearing a similar explanation from other staff, the student came back and insisted that the teacher change his mark. When she declined, he kicked her desk and stormed out. Around ten minutes later, he returned, shouting at her and demanding an apology.

When she questioned who owed whom an apology, the student became aggressive and started to punch and kick her in front of over 20 classmates. The violence ended only when a male teacher stepped in.

The Thairath reported, the teacher was left with serious injuries, including a bruised eye, swelling on her head and rib pain. She was taken to the hospital and later filed a police report. The student’s parents apologized, but the teacher says she will continue with legal action. The student has been suspended and has applied to leave the school.

Violence in Thai Schools on the Rise

This attack is not a one-off. Reports of students assaulting teachers and classmates are growing across Thailand. In November 2024, a Bangkok high school saw a girl attack a younger student, leading to a national discussion on bullying. That same year, a 12-year-old in Ubon Ratchathani was taken into custody after stabbing another student in the canteen.

Experts say several issues drive this violence. Strict school rules and teacher authority can lead to friction, especially if students feel treated unfairly over things like grades. Social media adds fuel, as videos of school fights often spread widely and increase tension.

The Uthai Thani case drew attention after the teacher posted her experience on the Facebook page Teacher Arty, triggering debate among parents and education professionals.

Academic stress is another factor. Pressure to get high marks can become overwhelming. The 17-year-old’s reaction to losing only two points shows how high expectations can push students to lash out.

Dr Somchai Rattanakorn, a child psychologist, says students struggle to deal with setbacks and need better support with their emotions.

The case has led to calls for urgent changes. Education officials are under pressure to strengthen anti-bullying rules, improve classroom monitoring and offer teachers more training to manage conflicts. Parents are also being encouraged to talk openly with their children and spot early warning signs.

School Safety Thailand

School Safety Policies

The school has faced criticism for its response, with some saying a better intervention might have stopped the assault. The boy’s suspension and withdrawal have raised debate about whether punitive steps are enough.

Ms Anchalee Promsak, an education campaigner in Chiang Rai, stresses the need for programmes that help students understand the results of their actions and rebuild trust, not just punish them.

In recent years, the Thai government has looked at school safety policies, especially after tragedies like the October 2024 bus fire at Wat Khaophrayasangkaram school in Uthai Thani, where 22 lives were lost.

That disaster led to new rules around trips, and now there is pressure to extend reforms to classroom safety and managing disputes.

While the teacher recovers in the hospital, the local community remains deeply affected. Students who saw the attack are struggling, and parents are concerned about whether the school is a safe place to learn. Sympathy for the teacher and criticism of violence have come from people across Thailand.

The Chiang Rai Times calls on all schools, families and officials to work together to keep students and staff safe. Stopping school violence needs more than punishment. It requires teaching empathy, respect and helping students build emotional strength.