11-07-2025
Stop harsh punishments in class, experts urge positive discipline
Despite a clear directive from the Thai Ministry of Education banning violent punishment in schools, physical discipline remains a troubling reality in Thai classrooms. A recent case involving a teacher who struck a student 60 times for disobedience has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for reform. Experts say the incident highlights a systemic failure to equip educators with non-violent behavioural management skills.
On 7 July 2025, Attapol Anantaworasakul, Chair of the Education Subcommittee at the Consumer Council of Thailand, condemned the continued use of corporal punishment in schools. He stressed that while policies promoting positive discipline exist, many teachers lack the training and judgement needed to implement them effectively. The result is a reliance on outdated punitive methods that can cause physical and psychological harm to students.
Current measures to prevent violence in schools are proving ineffective due to insufficient support systems. Although the Ministry has issued a nationwide ban on violent disciplinary actions, many educators remain unaware of alternative approaches. This gap in knowledge and training has led to repeated violations, with little accountability or enforcement.
Attapol emphasised that modern education should focus on behavioural guidance that protects children's well-being. He urged the Ministry to accelerate teacher development programmes that promote non-violent discipline and equip educators with tools to manage classroom behaviour constructively. He also called for mental health professionals to be deployed in schools to support both students and teachers in managing stress and preventing conflict.
The Education Subcommittee has consistently pushed for stronger protections against violence in schools. It has proposed amendments to the draft National Education Act to ensure all educational institutions are safe spaces—physically and emotionally—for learners. These proposals include establishing welfare and safety systems, safeguarding student rights, and ensuring continuous teacher development in child psychology and brain development.
The subcommittee also recommends placing child psychologists and counsellors at the local level to assist teachers in supporting student development. Attapol concluded, 'Violent punishment has no place in today's world. Society must reject these outdated values, and authorities must enforce clear legal measures against excessive discipline to ensure accountability and safety for all students.'
