The Thai Ministry of Education has decided to delay further the start of the new school term, from June 1^st to June 14^th, after the first postponement from May 17^th.

Education Minister Trinuch Thienthong said today that the latest postponement is for the safety of teachers, students and other educational personnel, as the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

The further delay to the start of the new term will also allow more time for teachers and other educational personnel to get vaccinated and for the transfer of students from one school to another, said the minister.

She added, however, that any schools in the Red and Orange zones, which want to resume classes before June 14^th, can do so, but they have to meet the 44-point list of requirements set by the Ministry of Public Health under the “Thai Stop COVID Plus” format.

For schools in the four Dark Red zones, which cover Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan, the minister said that only online or on-air classes may resume before June 14^th.

Although the new school term may start on different dates around the country, it will officially end on October 15^th for all schools, so timetables for examinations will not be affected, said the minister.

Meanwhile, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has eased restrictions on the use of school buildings in the Red zones, provided that prior approval is sought from the communicable disease committee in the respective province.

The use of school buildings in the Dark Red zones for teaching or for activities which will draw a large group of people remains prohibited, said the minister.