Education minister orders closure of Surin border schools following clashes

Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat on Thursday ordered the closure of all schools near the Thai-Cambodian border in Surin’s Phanom Dong Rak district following clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops.

Narumon said she instructed the Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC) to closely monitor the situation after fighting broke out near Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Prasat Ta Kwai in Phanom Dong Rak on Thursday morning.

She stated that all schools near the clash sites were ordered closed for the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel.

“I ordered schools along the border to prepare measures to cope with the fighting, including setting up bunkers and safe zones for students,” Narumon said.

The minister added that the schools were also ordered to set up shelters for students and their families to evacuate to safety.

She further stated that the ministry would consider resuming classes at the closed schools only when the situation has eased.