Debsirin Nonthaburi resumes classes with enhanced security

Debsirin Nonthaburi School resumed classes on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) under tighter security measures following the shooting, with bag searches, metal-detector screening and additional police patrols introduced across the campus.

Police from Plai Bang Police Station, local administrative officials and personnel from the Education Ministry and the Office of the Basic Education Commission were deployed around the school to assist students and oversee security.

Officers were stationed from a nearby PTT petrol station and the student drop-off point along Soi Atchariya Phatthana to the school entrance. Teachers and student prefects operated screening points, where bags were searched manually and students were checked with metal detectors.

The school gates were closed at 7.50am before classes began.

More than 200 additional CCTV cameras installed

Acting Capt Natthaphong Thongplub, director of Debsirin Nonthaburi School, said the school was ready to resume normal classes after discussing safety measures with relevant agencies and explaining the arrangements to parents.

Teachers have been assigned to designated areas during breaks and between lessons, while attendance and student numbers will be monitored regularly. The school has also prepared an emergency-response plan and installed more than 200 additional CCTV cameras covering key areas.

The two classrooms closed after the shooting will be renovated and converted into activity rooms. The school does not intend to reopen them as regular classrooms because of concerns about the potential psychological impact on students.

Police increase patrols for one month

Pol Col Passakorn Chaiyathaweewong, superintendent of Plai Bang Police Station, said patrols had been increased around the campus, entrances, exits and common areas.

The enhanced police presence will continue for about one month during the transition period to help ensure an orderly return to classes and rebuild confidence.

Police are continuing to prepare the case file and question additional witnesses.

Parents remain concerned about children’s wellbeing

Several parents accompanied their children to school on the first day back.

The mother of a Grade 7 student who had been in one of the affected classrooms said her child remained traumatised and feared another incident. She allowed the student to attend the homeroom period as a trial and was prepared to collect the child if they were unable to continue.

She said the tighter measures had increased her confidence in the school’s safety to about 80%.

Another parent, Thongbai, whose children are in Mathayom 3 and 4, said the security arrangements appeared comprehensive, extending from areas outside the campus to baggage screening at the entrance. She urged the school to maintain the measures over the long term.