Post by : Badri Ariffin

Schools across Thailand are strengthening security and conducting active shooter response drills following a deadly shooting at a school earlier this month that left at least eight people dead.

The new security measures were highlighted on Wednesday, August 19, at Surasakmontree School in Bangkok, where students participated in a simulated "run, hide, fight" emergency exercise.

During the training, a police officer dressed in black acted as a mock attacker. The officer used a handgun and assault rifle loaded with blank ammunition to create a realistic emergency scenario for students and teachers.

Students Learn How to Respond to a Gun Attack

As part of the drill, students practiced different ways of responding if an armed attacker entered their school.

Some students were instructed to run away from the threat and move to a safe location. Others practiced hiding under tables and behind locked doors to avoid being seen.

Students also learned how to make classrooms more secure by using furniture and other objects to block entrances.

In another part of the exercise, students practiced confronting the attacker when there was no safe way to escape or hide. In the simulated situation, they worked together to tackle and restrain the mock attacker after he entered a classroom.

The exercise was designed to help students understand how to react quickly during a potentially life-threatening emergency.

Thailand Orders Schools to Strengthen Security

The drills were introduced after Thailand's Education Ministry issued a security directive on August 10.

Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong instructed schools to prepare security plans and conduct emergency response exercises so that teachers, students and school staff would be better prepared for possible threats.

Officials said the measures are aimed at helping schools respond to what authorities describe as a new type of security threat that can occur unexpectedly.

Visitsak Vipattanamongkol, superintendent of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit at Thailand's Patrol and Special Operations Division, said schools are now reviewing their security arrangements and preparing students to respond to different types of incidents.

Schools Increase Daily Security Checks

Surasakmontree School has also introduced stricter daily security procedures.

Teachers and volunteers are using metal detectors to screen students as they enter the school. Security personnel are also checking students' bags for potentially dangerous objects.

During the security operation, teachers demonstrated the use of handheld metal detectors and displayed sharp objects that had previously been confiscated from students.

The increased screening comes as schools across Thailand review their security procedures following the recent deadly shooting.

School Officials Support Emergency Training

Surasakmontree School director Onitcha Kochana said the training could help students remain more aware and prepared if a real emergency occurs.

She welcomed the exercise, saying that students could use the knowledge gained during the training to respond more effectively during a serious incident.

The school believes that regular emergency exercises can improve students' awareness and help them understand what actions they should take when facing an unexpected threat.

Why Are Thai Schools Conducting Active Shooter Drills?

The drills are being conducted after a deadly shooting at a school in Thailand on August 7. The incident prompted authorities to review school security and emergency response procedures.

Following the attack, Thailand's Education Ministry directed schools to develop stronger security plans and practice emergency procedures.

The latest drills are therefore part of a wider effort to improve preparedness, strengthen school security and ensure that students and staff know how to respond during a dangerous situation.

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