The reopening of schools in Thailand last week revealed a huge number of children missing from class. “We estimate that up to 120,000 children have left school during Covid-19 and are unable to continue their education after lockdowns were lifted due to family problems and other factors,” said Education Minister Trinuch Thienthong on Saturday. She said her ministry is working with related agencies including the police to get as many dropouts back to school as possible. The ministry is also collaborating with the Vocational Education Commission to provide free boarding and tuition for rural students at 88 vocational schools nationwide. Meanwhile, to prevent dropouts due to problems in school, the ministry has established the MOE Safety Centre helpline contactable by phone and social media apps like Line.

Source: The Nation Bangkok May 23, 2022 07:38 UTC