Bangkok, October 29th, 2025– In a swift policy U-turn, Thailand’s Ministry of Education (MoE) has rescinded its recent directive prohibiting schools from hosting “festive or merrymaking” activities for one year, following widespread backlash from parents, academics, and educators.
The original announcement, issued on October 25th as a mark of respect during the national mourning period for the late Queen Mother Sirikit – who passed away on October 24th at age 93 – had sparked confusion and criticism. It called for a blanket suspension of events deemed overly celebratory, such as alumni gatherings, concerts, and non-essential parties, while allowing core educational and cultural activities like sports days.
Thai media outlets reported that Education Minister Prof. Dr. Niramol Phinyosinawat convened an emergency meeting on October 27 with ministry executives to address the uproar. Social media amplified concerns, with users and figures like Dr. Jesada Denduangboripant, a Chulalongkorn University lecturer, highlighting the order’s vagueness and potential to stifle student creativity.
A new urgent circular, distributed to all affiliated institutions on October 28th, explicitly cancels the prior guidelines. It removes any reference to a one-year ban on merrymaking, stating instead that schools should exercise discretion to ensure events align with the solemn national mood without outright prohibitions. “The ministry never intended to suppress student expression,” Minister Niramol clarified in a statement, urging clear communication to avoid misinterpretation.
The reversal comes amid Thailand’s broader period of official mourning, which includes subdued public celebrations until mid-November. Schools nationwide, already navigating the emotional impact of the queen’s death – revered for her environmental and humanitarian work – expressed relief, with private institutions under the Office of the Private Education Commission confirming that extracurriculars can resume normally if appropriately toned down.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
