Thailand Acts to Stem Bullying After School Shooting, but Fighting Cultural Norms Will Be Harder

In the aftermath of a devastating school shooting in Thailand, the government has moved to address the issue of bullying that many believe contributed to the tragedy. The move is long overdue, given that an astonishing 65% of young people aged six to 25 have experienced some form of bullying, according to a recent government survey.

For Surasit Nok-Ouam, a 20-year-old who suffered years of bullying in school, the memories still linger. He was targeted from his early days in kindergarten through primary school. His story is far from unique – many students in Thailand face similar experiences. Despite efforts by educators and policymakers to address the issue for decades, bullying remains a persistent problem.

Thailand’s cultural norms play a significant role in perpetuating this epidemic. The emphasis on kreng jai (extreme consideration) and social harmony above all else can lead victims to internalize their negative emotions rather than speaking out against bullies. As freelance counsellor Prieo To-uam notes, “Societal expectations prioritising politeness, deference, and social harmony frequently pressure youth to internalise negative emotions.”

The country’s education system is also closely tied to the cultural context. Schools in Thailand often focus more on academic achievement than fostering a safe and supportive environment for students. This can contribute to a culture where bullying incidents are either ignored or swept under the rug.

The Education Ministry’s recent announcement of a zero-tolerance bullying policy is a step in the right direction, but its success will depend on whether schools receive sufficient resources, trained personnel, effective referral networks, clear monitoring mechanisms, and continuing support from both the education and health sectors. As Chinun Boonroungrut, a lecturer at Silpakorn University, notes, “Its success will depend on these factors.”

Addressing Thailand’s bullying epidemic requires more than just policy changes or new initiatives. It demands a fundamental shift in societal attitudes – one that prioritizes empathy, understanding, and the well-being of students above all else.

The prevalence of kreng jai has created a society where victims are often reluctant to speak out against bullies. This can lead to a culture of silence, where students feel pressure to internalize their negative emotions rather than seeking help. For Surasit Nok-Ouam, the experience was particularly painful. “Sometimes I would get angry or try to respond,” he recalls, “but even my reaction became entertainment for them.”

The education system has been criticized for prioritizing academic achievement over student well-being. With the rise of social media, bullying incidents are now more visible than ever – but this increased visibility may be masking the reality that the number of cases hasn’t changed. Rather, it reflects both the continued prevalence of the problem and the greater public visibility and disclosure of bullying incidents in the digital era.

The solution to Thailand’s bullying epidemic won’t be easy or simple. It will require policymakers to confront head-on the toxic dynamics that perpetuate this problem. By prioritizing empathy, understanding, and student well-being above all else, they can begin to chip away at the entrenched problems that have plagued Thailand’s schools for so long.

As Surasit Nok-Ouam looks back on his experience with bullying, he knows that it’s a memory he’ll never truly shake. But by speaking out against this pervasive problem, he’s helping to create a safer, more supportive environment for students across the country – one where every student can thrive without fear of bullying or intimidation.