Schools reopen across Thailand with temperature checks, masks

SAM KHOK (Reuters) — Thai schools reopened yesterday for the first time since mid-March, with precautions in place to guard against the coronavirus, ranging from temperature checks to installing makeshift cubicles for social distancing in classrooms.

At Sam Khok school, about 50 kilometers north of Bangkok, nearly 5,000 students were told to self-quarantine at home for 15days prior to the re-start as an extra precaution, Principal Chuchart Thiengtham said.

“Once students arrive at school, teachers hand face masks to them because it’s mandatory to wear them,” said Chuchart, adding that face shields were also provided to pupils for additional safety during some activities.

Students also get their temperatures checked and a facial recognition scanner automatically sends a message to parents, he said.

In the classroom, the school has turned cardboard ballot boxes used in elections into partitions to ensure social distancing between desks.

“I feel good studying behind the box because it makes me feel safer returning to school,” said student Kanlaya Srimongkhol.

REUTERS Students from the Wichuthit school eat their lunch after the Thai government eased isolation measures, as schools nationwide reopened in Bangkok yesterday.