Thai boy, 9, allegedly chases teacher with machete after she scolds him

A nine-year-old boy armed with a machete allegedly chased a primary school teacher in a school in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand.

The incident occurred on Jun. 12 at a school in Mueang district, The Thaiger and Khaosod reported.

In a video circulating online, the teacher was seen running away from the armed boy, who was wearing what appeared to be his school uniform.

Argument

According to a social activist, Ton Or Pen Nueng, the boy was apparently involved in an altercation with a classmate.

His homeroom teacher purportedly stopped the dispute and reprimanded him.

The boy reportedly became angry and shouted at the teacher before being sent home, with his parents being informed of the situation.

Some time later, the boy allegedly returned to the school armed with a machete and tried to attack the teacher who reprimanded him.

The teacher purportedly ran and called for help.

Other students in the school were reportedly frightened and cried in panic as a result of the incident.

A school caretaker eventually intervened and lured the boy towards an open area near the playground, before persuading him to drop the machete.

History

Residents said the boy had a history of allegedly displaying aggressive behaviour, which included bullying classmates, making threats and extorting money from other students.

The school had also previously discussed the issue with the boy’s family.

He was apparently suspended before, and the school arranged for him to study online.

However, he returned to the school in person, and his behaviour apparently worsened.

Assessment

Concerned about the safety of students and teachers, Ton said she had contacted the head of the Sakon Nakhon Child Protection Home to seek assistance regarding this incident.

Officials informed her that a multidisciplinary team consisting of child psychologists and social workers would reportedly visit the area and assess this incident.

The boy’s family background and the factors that may have led up to this incident will be investigated.

Local authorities are expected to determine appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the school's students and staff, while providing support and rehabilitation for the boy.