SONGKHLA, Thailand – A former foreign teacher at Hatyai Wittayalai School in Songkhla province who allegedly posted gun threats following his termination has left Thailand, with authorities placing him on a watch list and stepping up security around the school, police confirmed today.

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Pol Maj Gen Teerasak Chaiyayotha, Songkhla provincial police commander, said the South African national, known locally as “Kru Peter,” departed the country on July 19. Following his exit, immigration police placed him on a watch list to prevent his re-entry, while Hatyai police have been instructed to increase patrols around the school and coordinate with officials on security measures.

The school announced today that classes will be held online on August 10 and 11 after the former teacher allegedly posted photographs of firearms, threatening messages, and audio clips on social media and in a public LINE group. In her complaint to police, the school’s director stated that the postings were made after the school terminated his contract on July 24, following the discovery that he had violated its terms. The South African also posted photographs of the school’s administrative team accompanied by messages that were allegedly threatening in nature, the director told police.

กรณีเมื่อวานนี้ (8 สิงหาคม) นายปีเตอร์ สัญชาติแอฟริกาใต้ อดีตครูสอนวิชาภาษาอังกฤษของโรงเรียนหาดใหญ่วิทยาลัย ซึ่งถูกเลิกจ้างไปแล้ว ได้โพสต์ข้อความ กล่าวหาว่ามีการทุจริตภายในโรงเรียน พร้อมโพสต์ภาพเหล่าผู้บริหารของโรงเรียน รวมถึงภาพของตัวเองขณะซ้อมยิงปืน… pic.twitter.com/ZkUBzI3nXp

— ข่าวช่องวัน (@onenews31) August 9, 2026

The decision to move classes online came against the backdrop of the fatal shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School on Friday, in which eight people were killed and the 14-year-old gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. While no direct link has been established between the two incidents, the heightened sensitivity around school safety has prompted authorities to take preventive measures in response to any potential threats.

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Police have not disclosed the specific terms of the contract that were violated, and investigations into the former teacher’s activities and the nature of his threats are ongoing. The case has underscored concerns about the vetting and monitoring of foreign teachers in Thailand, as well as the broader need for enhanced security protocols in educational institutions across the country. Authorities have assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of students and staff in the wake of the incident.

-Thailand News (TN)