BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Education has mobilized vocational institutions nationwide to support communities in southern provinces. Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat said the Ministry has been closely monitoring the situation and has instructed the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) and provincial vocational education offices to coordinate with local authorities in providing immediate assistance.
In Songkhla Province, the Provincial Vocational Education Office deployed all affiliated colleges to support affected residents. These institutions have established assistance centers to distribute meal boxes and drinking water to communities in hard-to-reach areas.
In Phatthalung Province, vocational teams have been deployed across multiple locations together with local administrative organizations and the provincial education office. Dry food and drinking water were distributed to residents. Officials have been assisting with evacuations and relief operations in urban areas affected by high water levels.
The Minister added that the Ministry has prepared extensive post-flood recovery measures through the “Fix It” Volunteer Project, deploying vocational technicians to repair household appliances, electrical and plumbing systems, and assist with community clean-up. In Phatthalung, Fix It teams will operate in Muang, Bang Kaeo, Tamot, Khao Chai, Khuan Khanun, and Pa Phayom Districts.
In Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, fiberglass boats were deployed to support evacuations in Pak Phanang District, while the Nakhon Si Thammarat Polytechnic has opened its facilities as a temporary shelter. Additional Fix It Centers will be established in Muang, Phra Phrom, and Thung Song Districts for post-flood rehabilitation.
The Education Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting affected communities, thanking teachers, instructors, students, and all agencies working under challenging conditions. She emphasized that the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure that assistance reaches all affected residents.
Following the floods, the Ministry will assess structural and material damage to buildings, electrical systems, learning tools, and equipment to restore affected educational institutions. Flexible alternatives, including online learning, will be considered to compensate for disrupted classes. (NNT)
