NAKHON SAWAN — A vocational teacher has been removed from her post after a video showing her punishing students by forcing them to drink water laced with cigarette butts went viral, igniting outrage across Thai social media.

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The incident occurred on May 29 and involved around ten male students who were reportedly caught smoking on school grounds. In the video, filmed by a fellow student, the teacher can be seen mixing cigarette butts into a plastic bottle filled with water before ordering the boys to drink it. The footage also captures the teacher using harsh and profane language, prompting a verbal confrontation with some of the students. Other faculty members were seen stepping in to calm tensions.

A vocational teacher in Nakhon Sawan has been reassigned after a video surfaced showing her punishing male students caught smoking by forcing them to drink water mixed with cigarette butts.

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The video quickly drew widespread condemnation online, with many calling the punishment abusive and physically dangerous. While there was general agreement that the students had violated school rules by smoking, the method of discipline used by the teacher has been criticized as degrading and potentially harmful to their health.

In response to the backlash, the college director confirmed that the teacher—who was part of the school’s disciplinary committee—has been reassigned to another position while the case is being reviewed. The students’ parents have also been called in for discussions regarding the incident and to determine any further action.

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Calls have grown louder for the Ministry of Education to step in and investigate, with critics urging authorities to ensure such punitive practices are not repeated in Thai schools. As of Saturday evening, the college director was expected to issue an official statement to address the growing public concern.

-Thailand News (TN)