Bangkok: The director of Tha Song Yang Hospital has highlighted the potential long-term negative consequences that could arise from preventing 13 children from the Mae Hla temporary shelter from accessing educational opportunities. The director emphasized that the lack of education could pose significant issues for Thai society. In light of this, a human rights academic has urged the Ministry of Education to delay the Tak District 2 Primary Education Office's directive, which would require the children to return to school until further clarification of policy is provided.
According to Thai News Agency, the Tak Provincial Public Health Office has initiated an investigation into reports implicating the Director of Tha Song Yang Hospital in activities supporting education for children in refugee camps. The office has stated that if any illegal activities are found, disciplinary measures will be pursued.
"Marginal News Agency" conducted an interview with Dr. Thawatchai Yingtaweesak, the Director of Tha Song Yang Hospital, regarding the hospital's support for re-admitting 13 students from the Mae Hla temporary refugee camp to Ban Khane Chue School, located outside the camp. Dr. Yingtaweesak expressed concerns that forcing these students to leave school could lead to feelings of rejection and unfair treatment, potentially affecting their perception of Thai society.
Dr. Yingtaweesak noted, "If Thai society denies these children access to the education system, the negative repercussions could significantly outweigh the associated educational costs. Children who are not in school might encounter various social problems, which are interconnected with broader societal issues."
He further elaborated that this situation should be seen in the context of Thailand's demographic challenges, particularly the declining birth rate and increasing elderly population. Dr. Thawatchai warned that without integrating more children into the educational system to develop their potential, Thailand could face a severe labor shortage in the future.
In parallel, Dr. Bongkoch Napa-amphorn, a human rights law expert, acknowledged that the Ministry of Education is aware of the issue. She stressed that the foremost priority should be to halt actions that violate children's rights, ensuring that students are not prematurely expelled while policy ambiguity persists.
Dr. Bongkoch advocated for the Ministry of Education to postpone the Tak Primary Educational Service Area Office 2's announcement and allow the children to return to school. She suggested that the issue be urgently addressed by the Sub-committee on Resolving the Problem of Refugees from Myanmar of the National Security Council to ensure clarity and prevent potential conflicts within the community or among government entities.