28-9-2023 (BANGKOK) A teacher at a secondary school in Thailand has been suspended after a video surfaced online showing her repeatedly slapping a student for refusing to call her “mum”. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the use of physical violence as a form of discipline in schools.
According to Thatchapol Polrat, the deputy dean of Ramkhamhaeng University overseeing its demonstration secondary schools, the teacher in question has been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing. The decision came after a meeting with the student’s guardian, who lodged a complaint about the incident.
The video, which was posted online by a woman claiming to be the student’s aunt, shows the teacher grabbing the boy’s wrist and leading him through a passage before stopping and slapping his face. The impact of the slap causes the boy’s face mask to fall off, and the teacher is seen shouting at him and hitting his face again. The second slap is particularly forceful, causing the boy’s head to jerk to one side.
The teacher’s behavior has been widely condemned, with many arguing that physical violence is never an appropriate way to discipline a student. Mr. Thatchapol said that the university takes the incident seriously and is taking steps to address the issue.
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— Lita (@tequilaqueen09) September 27, 2023
“We have forwarded a report of the incident to the disciplinary office of the university for further action,” he said. “Pending its ruling, the teacher concerned has been suspended.”
The deputy dean also revealed that school officials have been in talks with the student and his guardian to offer compensation and support. The student has been given moral support by his classmates, and Mr. Thatchapol said the boy had told him he was “okay”.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the use of physical violence in Thai schools. While corporal punishment is officially banned, it remains a common practice in many schools, with teachers often using physical force to discipline students.
Critics argue that physical violence can have long-term negative effects on students, including increased aggression, anxiety, and decreased self-esteem. They argue that schools should adopt alternative disciplinary methods, such as positive reinforcement and counseling, to promote a positive and supportive learning environment.
