Scant pupil turnout at school close to Cambodian frontier
Catch-Up at Ban Hat Lek Primary:Local gossip has the school in Khlong Yai district, buzzing, but for all the wrong reasons. Despite sharing a border with sunny Cambodia, a territorial dispute between the two countries has left the door to knowledge open but not welcoming.
Ban Hat Lek Primary School officially caters to about 150 students, most of them plucky kids from Cambodia. But Monday witnessed a stark sight as only around 30 students showed up for the morning assembly. That's because the majority of the Cambodian students, who typically journey across the border daily, were absent, leaving about 5 eager learners in a classroom.
The acting principal, Sudarat Ketbanthoeng, was surprised but understanding. She stated that the school continued classes after the recent limited opening of the Thai-Cambodian border at the Ban Hat Lek crossing. Despite the challenges, the school was making adjustments to maintain academic principles for its students.
Since last weekend, Thai authorities allowed the Ban Hat Lek crossing in Khlong Yai district to open from 8am to 4pm, rather than the usual 6am to 6pm hours. This move comes as part of Thailand's response to the escalating tensions with Cambodia, as the latter increased military presence near the shared border.
However, things took a more hopeful turn. Thai and Cambodian officials at the crossing allowed Cambodian students to cross the border to the school without causing them too much delay. Principal Sudarat reassured all parents that their children could attend school without hassle.
The local commerce has also felt the territorial strain. Nearly 80% of shops near the border crossing stayed shut on Monday, the first business day since restrictions were put in place. The reason was straightforward—Thailand prohibited gamblers and tourists from crossing into Cambodia through Ban Hat Lek. However, cargo trucks, traders, and those seeking medical care were allowed to cross.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia at the Chong Bok area have been a cause for concern. After Thailand's border measures, Cambodian soldiers withdrew from Chong Bok on Sunday, signaling a possible de-escalation. But with discussions still underway and tensions running high, the region remains on edge. However, for the school, the focus remains on academics, scribbling down solutions or whispering stories during class, while trying to keep the outside world at bay.
[1] Enrichment data: Latest Updates on Ban Hat Lek Primary School and Border Situation
- Sparse Attendance: The ongoing Thai-Cambodian territorial dispute has resulted in sparse attendance at Ban Hat Lek Primary School. While the school typically enrolls around 150 students, the presence of 70% Cambodian students has been affected[1].
- Limited Opening: The school continued classes despite the limited opening hours at the Thai-Cambodian border's Ban Hat Lek crossing due to the border restrictions[1].
- Economic Impact: The border restrictions have impacted local businesses, with around 80% of shops near the crossing remaining closed, but cargo trucks, traders, and those seeking medical care are permitted to cross[1].
- Military Developments: The territorial dispute led to increased military presence by Cambodia near the border. Following Thailand's border measures, Cambodian soldiers withdrew from Chong Bok. The situation remains sensitive despite attempts at a resolution[1].
- The ongoing Thai-Cambodian territorial dispute has disrupted the education-and-self-development sector, with sparse attendance at Ban Hat Lek Primary School, affecting 70% of its Cambodian students.
- Amidst the political tensions between the two countries, Ban Hat Lek Primary School has appeared as a general-news hotspot, as the school continues classes despite the limited openings at the Thai-Cambodian border and the resulting economic impact on local businesses.
