Debate Erupts Over One-Year School Festivity Ban – “How Can You Ban Children’s Smiles?” asks Amarat

On October 26, 2025, Due to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, passed away, Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat clarified that school events such as sports days and traditional friendship football tournaments may proceed as usual, as they are educational and non-festive in nature.

She stated that activities beyond the formal curriculum, such as graduation farewell parties, farewell events for retiring officials, or alumni gatherings, are still permitted, provided they are organized in a manner that aligns with the current atmosphere of mourning.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Suthep Kaengsanthia addressed concerns regarding the proposed reduction of the mourning period from one year to 30 days, explaining that educational institutions are considered government agencies and must comply with the Cabinet’s resolution. However, he noted that schools may adjust the format of activities as appropriate.

Additionally, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior Unsit Sampuntharat reaffirmed that the government has not explicitly banned any specific activities, but urged all organizations to adapt their events appropriately to reflect the nation’s solemn atmosphere.

A new directive from Thailand’s Ministry of Education, prohibiting all festive or celebratory activities in educational institutions for one year, has sparked widespread debate and criticism. The order, outlined in Section 3 of the Ministerial announcement, was reportedly intended to align with a national period of mourning. However, many argue that the rule is vague, impractical, and potentially harmful to students’ freedom of expression.

Former Move Forward Party MP Amarat Chokepamitkul voiced strong opposition, questioning the logic behind the policy. “How can anyone ban children from cheering during a sports day or smiling on Children’s Day?” she asked, calling the directive “an act without intelligence.” Amarat emphasized that creative and joyful activities from sports and music to school performances are essential parts of youth development, and restricting such expressions amounts to “forcing gloom onto the young generation.”

Meanwhile, school administrators across the country have expressed uncertainty about how to interpret or implement the ban, worrying that any activity with a cheerful atmosphere could be seen as violating the rule. Some pointed out the contrast with a Cabinet order for government officials to observe mourning “as appropriate,” which serves as a request for cooperation rather than an enforceable restriction. In comparison, the Ministry’s directive directly imposes a binding one-year ban on students, raising questions about its fairness and necessity.

Copywriter: Siam Associated Press (SAP) Editorial Department
Pictures: Some illustrations come from the Internet. If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete it.
Source of material: official media /online news