Ex-PM Srettha Warns: Schools Must Be Safe Havens Amidst Bullying Crisis

Former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called for schools to be safe havens for students amidst a growing crisis of bullying. He stressed the need for societal support for children facing such issues, emphasizing that no one should have to confront problems alone. On August 8th, Mr. Srettha posted that the events of the previous day had deeply affected the entire nation, with many children and young people sharing their experiences of being bullied. He noted that many of these stories had never been heard before. He explained that the term 'bullying' encompasses not only physical violence or harsh words but also includes acts of neglect, exclusion, mockery, humiliation, and making someone feel worthless. These actions can leave invisible wounds that persist for a long time. "Schools should be safe spaces, families should be listening spaces, and society should be a space where no one has to face problems alone," he stated. Addressing the youth, he said, "Differences are not reasons to harm each other. We are all born differently, but everyone has value and deserves equal respect." To adults, he urged, "Today may be the time we need to listen more, observe more, and act to help more quickly, because often, timely help can change a child's life." He concluded by stating that no words or actions are worth making someone lose faith in themselves. A good society is not measured by the absence of problems but by our refusal to be indifferent to each other's suffering. He also expressed his condolences to all those who have suffered loss. Source: INN News