Why did Hatyaiwittayalai School close its doors?

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Hatyaiwittayalai School Closed Due to Alleged Threats from a Sacked Teacher

Hatyaiwittayalai School in Songkhla province, Thailand, closed its doors for two days, August 10 and 11, impacting approximately 3,600 students. The decision to move lessons online was a precautionary measure taken after alleged threats were posted by a former English-language teacher, Pieter Johannes Dreyer. The school's director, Thitiwit Meechooworapong, stated the closure was to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and employees.
Alleged Threats Made by Former Teacher

The closure followed threats purportedly made by Pieter Johannes Dreyer, a South African national who was previously employed as an English-language teacher in the school's English programme. Dreyer's employment was terminated on July 24 due to a breach of contract. Subsequent to his termination, Dreyer allegedly posted content in a school LINE chat group, which had around 5,000 users. This content reportedly included images of himself firing a gun, pictures of school executives, and threatening messages, alongside an audio clip.
Police Confirmation of Departure and Blacklisting

Authorities confirmed that Pieter Johannes Dreyer had already left Thailand. According to police reports, he departed the country through the Padang Besar border checkpoint in Sadao district on July 19, prior to his formal termination from the school. Immigration authorities have since placed Dreyer on a blacklist, preventing his re-entry.
School's Response and Student Impact

In response to the alleged threats, Hatyaiwittayalai School opted for a temporary closure, affecting its entire student body of roughly 3,600 individuals. Lessons were transitioned to an online format for the duration of the two-day closure, August 10 and 11. The school administration, comprising approximately 250 teachers and staff, considered the posted material a direct threat and subsequently filed a complaint with the Hat Yai police.

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Why did Hatyaiwittayalai School close its doors?

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