Buriram: Students Brutally Attack Girl, School Demands Action
Buriram, Thailand—A disturbing incident of school violence has shaken the Lahan Sai district, leaving a 13-year-old girl traumatized and her family demanding answers. The Matthayom 1 (Grade 7) student reported to the Lahan Sai Police Station on Tuesday, alleging a sustained and brutal assault by at least ten classmates, some as old as Matthayom 3 (Grade 9), the previous day. The hour-long attack has ignited outrage and raised serious questions about school safety and the pervasive problem of bullying in Thai schools.
Accompanied by her parents, the young victim recounted a harrowing ordeal to authorities. She explained that the assault began around 9 a. m. on Monday when a classmate told her to return to her classroom. Upon sitting down, she was allegedly slapped, forcibly removed from the room, and then dragged to a toilet in a separate building, where the assault continued for an hour. She described being repeatedly slapped, having her head stomped on, and her head smashed against a toilet bowl.
The alleged catalyst for this shocking violence was another student’s accusation that the victim had spoken ill of them. This flimsy justification underscores the severity of the bullying problem and the vulnerability of students within the school environment.
Adding to the complexity of this disturbing situation, the victim lives with her maternal grandparents; her parents work in different towns, highlighting the challenges many families face balancing work and childcare. Her mother, Hathairat, learned of the incident through a video circulating online. The video’s widespread dissemination further traumatized the victim and compelled Ms. Hathairat to seek police intervention. Understandably, she expressed deep concern and disbelief that such a violent incident could occur within the supposed safety of the school grounds. The victim is now reportedly too afraid to return to school, underscoring the assault’s profound psychological impact.
This case has sparked widespread online discussion and public outcry, demanding accountability from the school administration. Questions are being raised about the adequacy of supervision and measures in place to prevent bullying and violence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive anti-bullying programs and robust safeguarding policies in Thai schools. Authorities are currently investigating, and the school is expected to release a statement addressing the situation and outlining steps to ensure all students' safety and well-being. The young victim’s future remains uncertain as she grapples with the physical and emotional scars of this traumatic experience. The incident highlights the urgent need for a societal shift towards fostering a culture of respect and tolerance in educational institutions.
