Most schools on track for July opening

Minister says nine provinces Covid-free

Schools in the kingdom could soon fully reopen if the number of new Covid-19 cases continues to decline, according to Education Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan yesterday.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration yesterday reported only one new coronavirus case with no new deaths. The number of new confirmed cases has been in single digits since May 5. The kingdom reported 18 cases among quarantined migrant workers in Songkhla province on May 4.

“If the number of new Covid-19 cases in the country is still in single digits on July 1, I believe 80% of our schools will be able to fully reopen,” Mr Nataphol said.

“Nine provinces in Thailand are already free from Covid-19, so there is a high possibility the schools in these provinces [among others] will be able to fully reopen.”

Mr Nataphol said the ministry will let each school decide whether to reopen on July 1 or continue to use remote learning options.

“There are schools in urban, rural and remote areas. Since we believe one size won’t fit all, we have decided to let each school make its own decision,” he said. “The safety of students is the bottom line.”

Mr Nataphol said schools planning to reopen must first seek the provincial governor’s permission.

“If the risk of Covid-19 is low in their area, normal classes may be held,” he said, adding education officials will provide recommendations.

“For example, if the virus still poses a risk, we may arrange selective attendance where students are rotated in and out of school,” Mr Nataphol added. “If there are 30 students per room, we may [recommend] a 10-person limit.”

Schools which reopen will have to set up screening and sanitation stations, he said, noting teachers and students will have to wear masks and wash their hands often.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s board recently approved 17 new digital TV channels for airing education broadcasts run by the Education Ministry.

These channels are projected to begin broadcasting from July 1. Airing will end in six months.

“We will combine existing recorded courses, which have been prepared in past years, with newly recorded ones. We will build strong and relevant curricula for all learners in Thailand,” Mr Nataphol said.