The Ministry of Education has ordered the immediate suspension of educational field trips organised by all schools under its supervision, following an accident on Vibhavadi Rangsit highway in Pathum Thani province yesterday, involving a double-decked coach which caught fire, killing 20 young students and three teachers.
Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob said, however, that an educational field trip is possible if it is deemed necessary, but those arranging it must ensure that the vehicles transporting students meet safety requirements, adding that, in the case of children, they must be accompanied by their parents, because there are insufficient teachers to take care of all the children.
While admitting that such trips are necessary as part of the learning process, he said that they should be confined to the school’s own province, adding that students should also be trained in emergency evacuation in case of a road accident.
Regarding compensation for the three teachers killed in yesterday’s tragedy, the minister said that the Office of Primary Education Commission will ensure that their families are properly compensated, in addition to public donations.
All the students and teachers who are not in hospital or undergoing rehabilitation returned home to Uthai Thani province last night.
Read more: Field trips don’t hurt students, poorly-maintained transport does : PM
