BANGKOK, Thailand – The government is supporting the “Kind Classroom” campaign to promote proactive student mental health care, reduce bullying, and ensure that educational institutions remain safe environments for students and faculty. Deputy Government Spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn stated that this policy aligns with the Ministry of Education’s “Learn Well, Be Happy” campaign, which empowers guidance counselors and homeroom teachers to serve as frontline mental health responders.
Guidance counselors and class advisers will provide frontline support by listening to students, identifying concerns, offering initial assistance, and referring cases to specialized mental health services as needed. The government has established four core guidelines for the initiative: recognizing student mental health care as a shared responsibility, building cooperative networks, creating psychologically safe environments, and encouraging teachers to provide appropriate counseling.
To implement these measures, the Department of Mental Health and the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) are promoting psychological first aid training and monitoring behavioral, emotional, and social issues. The strategy also includes proactive steps to prevent and address bullying both in person and online. Authorities are also using digital support tools, including the HERO OBEC Care system and the Mental Health Check-in platform, to continuously screen and assist students. Teachers, students, and parents can access mental health services 24/7 through the 1323 hotline. (NNT)
