Bangkok: Schools under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) have commenced the first semester of the 2025 academic year with a new approach where teachers are not required to be on duty. This development comes following a Cabinet resolution that emphasizes the principle of “Good learning, happy learning” to foster an environment conducive to quality education.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Karom Polpornklang, the deputy government spokesman, announced the opening of schools nationwide under OBEC. He outlined five strategic guidelines aimed at creating a learning atmosphere that supports the development of students by reducing unnecessary burdens on teachers, personnel, students, and parents. These guidelines focus on safety, enhancing learning opportunities, networking and cooperation, budget management, and incident response plans.
Mr. Karom elaborated on the importance of adhering to ethical principles for student punishment, referring to Ministry of Education regulations from 2005 and 2019. These regulations stipulate four measures for dealing with student offenses, urging educators to avoid violent or embarrassing punishments.
Additionally, Mr. Karom addressed the issue of teacher duty, asserting that educational institutions must adhere to the January 2024 Cabinet resolution exempting teachers from being on duty. He advised against using terms like “safety duty” or “voluntary duty” that could infringe on the resolution. Educational institutions are encouraged to establish appropriate guidelines, such as monitoring visitors and enforcing rules to ensure safety within school environments. Serious legal actions are urged for any violations, ensuring schools remain safe learning spaces.