Student attacks math teacher for not getting perfect score despite 90% grade in Thailand

Dubai: A shocking incident of violence erupted at a private school in Ban Rai district, Uthai Thani province, Thailand, when a Grade 11 student physically assaulted his female mathematics teacher after being dissatisfied with his midterm examination score.

On August 5th, the confrontation began when the student received 18 out of 20 marks on his midterm test. Despite achieving 90 per cent, the student was upset about not receiving a perfect score. The teacher had deducted points because, while his answers were mathematically correct, he failed to show the necessary working steps required for full credit.

Initially, the student approached his teacher to discuss the grade. When his appeal was unsuccessful, he sought support from other faculty members, hoping they would intervene on his behalf. However, school staff upheld the original grading decision.

The situation took a dangerous turn when the student returned to the classroom and confronted his teacher again, this time demanding she apologise to him. When the teacher questioned why she should apologize for following proper grading procedures, the student launched into a violent attack.

The assault was witnessed by several students who remained in the classroom after most had left for other classes. Quick-thinking female students immediately intervened, physically shielding their teacher and attempting to stop the attack. Their brave actions likely prevented more serious injuries.

The teacher sustained multiple injuries from the assault, including a bruised left eye, head swelling, and inflamed ribs. She required immediate medical treatment and hospitalisation. The entire incident was captured on video and subsequently shared online, drawing widespread attention and condemnation.

School officials revealed that the student had been aiming for exceptional grades to strengthen his application to Thailand's police academy. This academic pressure may have contributed to his explosive reaction to receiving less than perfect marks.

Troublingly, this was not the student's first violent incident. Authorities confirmed he had previously assaulted a female student on the school bus after she made noise that disturbed him, indicating a pattern of aggressive behavior.

Administrative Response

Following the attack, legal proceedings were initiated against the minor under Thailand's Child and Juvenile Law. The student has been suspended from school and has expressed his intention to withdraw entirely.

On August 8th, the injured teacher filed an official police report. She returned to Nong Chang Police Station four days later to provide additional testimony and participate in a crime scene reconstruction within the classroom where the assault occurred.

The student's parents have issued a formal apology to the teacher for their son's actions. Despite the trauma she experienced, the dedicated educator has expressed her commitment to returning to teaching once she has fully recovered both physically and mentally from the ordeal.

This incident has sparked broader discussions about student behavior, academic pressure, and violence in Thai schools, highlighting the need for better conflict resolution and anger management programs in educational settings.