Children's attendance is minimal at schools along the border as they reopen following a lengthy closure.
Border District Schools in Surin Face Safety Concerns Amid Landmine Blasts
Recent landmine explosions near the Thailand-Cambodia border in Surin province have sparked concerns about school safety in border districts. The security situation remains tense due to repeated landmine incidents causing injuries to Thai soldiers and a fragile ceasefire since late July 2025.
The Nikom Sang Ton Eng 8 School in Buri Ram's Ban Kruat district reopened for the first time since closing on July 24, but attendance was under 40%. This trend seems to be a common occurrence in other border district schools, although specific details about school closures or attendance disruptions are not extensively reported.
Thai authorities are taking measures to ensure the safety of students. Acting Sub-Lieutenant Thanu Wongchinda stated that of the 751 schools initially closed due to border clashes, 736 have reopened. Schools in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak, Kap Choeng, Sangkha, and Buachet districts have resumed operations. However, schools near the frontline, such as Ban Dan School in Kap Choeng district, have postponed classes until at least Friday, opting for online classes during this period.
Obec, the Office of Basic Education Commission, is preparing alternative classes for affected students. They are using methods such as onsite learning in safe areas, DLTV broadcasts, online classes, on-demand classes via applications, and take-home worksheets.
The Thai military continues extensive demining efforts to secure the area, involving local authorities to ensure safety, which is critical for the community, including school children. However, no explicit statement about school closures or attendance policies after the explosions is provided in current reports.
Residents near the Thai-Cambodian border are expressing growing fears of renewed conflict following the landmine incident. Some community leaders have advised residents to pack essentials in case of emergency evacuation. There have been rumours about Cambodian military reinforcements during the ceasefire period.
Privy Councillor Gen Dapong Ratanasuwan has met with Obec officials to discuss solutions. The authorities remain vigilant to protect civilians, including children, from the landmine threat.
[1] "Thai soldiers injured in landmine blast near Cambodia border." Bangkok Post. 15 August 2025. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1883181/thai-soldiers-injured-in-landmine-blast-near-cambodia-border
[2] "Thai-Cambodian border clashes: 15 schools still closed, say officials." The Nation. 16 August 2025. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30401467
[3] "Thai-Cambodian border clashes: Landmines remain threat, say officials." The Phuket News. 16 August 2025. https://www.thephuketnews.com/thai-cambodian-border-clashes-landmines-remain-threat-say-officials-69861.php
[4] "Thai-Cambodian border clashes: Thai military demining efforts continue." The Bangkok Post. 17 August 2025. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1883213/thai-cambodian-border-clashes-thai-military-demining-efforts-continue
[5] "Thai-Cambodian border clashes: Ceasefire formalized after talks." The Nation. 7 August 2025. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30394830
- Despite the ongoing concerns and uncertainties in education-and-self-development due to the landmine incidents at the Thailand-Cambodia border, Thai authorities are taking proactive steps to ensure safe learning environments for students, such as implementing alternative learning methods and intensifying demining efforts.
- Amidst the tense political climate caused by the border conflict, residents and community leaders are actively discussing issues beyond general-news headlines, like the importance of education-and-self-development amid safety concerns and the need for emergency preparedness plans for the community, especially school children.
