Thai deputy PM calls for abolition of controversial teacher-guardian system

In a significant administrative shift, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is advocating for the cancellation of the teacher-guardian system, asserting that it is the responsibility of security agencies, not teachers. He emphasises that the simplest and most immediate solution is to return teachers to the classroom.

This development emerged following an incident where a teacher was physically assaulted while guarding a school during a holiday, prompting nationwide demands for the abolition of the teacher-guardian system.

Anutin, in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister overseeing the Ministry of Education, today, January 23, told reporters that he would support the removal of the 1999 Cabinet Resolution (CR) or the issuance of a new CR to exempt the parts related to the guardian duty of government agencies. This decision was initially made in July 1999.

“Particularly for schools nationwide, civil servants should not be held accountable for damage to government property resulting from crimes. If a crime occurs, security agencies have to handle it, whether it’s prevention or suppression, not the responsibility of teachers.

“This is the easiest way to return teachers to the classroom and can be done immediately. The welfare and safety of teachers are more important than things. There should be no conditions that hinder it, whether it is the budget or any procurement process.

“When there is no teacher-guardian, even if there are no guards or CCTV cameras, if there is a robbery, it is not the fault of the teacher. It is the responsibility of the criminal and the state agency responsible for security. If you are going to leave the school to someone, leave it to the police or the administrative side’s security affairs, not the teachers.”

Teacher-guardian system

The deputy PM’s stance comes in the wake of a violent incident on January 20, at the Ban Pong Kluea School in Doi Lan, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province. The incident occurred during a holiday around 1.30pm and has since sparked widespread demands for the abolition of the teacher-guardian system across Thailand.

The teacher-guardian system, established by a Cabinet resolution in 1999, requires teachers to act as guards for government property, a role that has proven increasingly controversial in recent years. The recent violent incident and the subsequent nationwide outcry have brought the issue to the forefront, prompting reconsideration at the highest levels of government.

As debates continue, the safety and welfare of teachers remain a critical concern, underscoring the need for immediate and effective solutions, reported KhaoSod.