Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday asked the permanent secretary for education to monitor how students express their political views following the three-finger protest staged against him by university students last week.
Suthasri Wongsamarn, the education permanent secretary, said Gen Prayut suggested the ministry teach both school and university students about citizenship duties in civic education classes.
Last Wednesday five Khon Kaen University students staged a three-finger salute protest in front of Gen Prayut as he spoke in the province. The next day a Bangkok University student also adopted the same gesture taken from The Hunger Games film franchise at the premier of a sequel. The salute has become a symbol of opposition to the May 22 coup d'etat.
Gen Prayut raised the subject with Ms Suthasri at a permanent secretary-level meeting at the Interior Ministry.
Ms Suthasri said she had received calls from several people asking her to pay more attention to students' behaviour following the three-finger protests.
"No one has prohibited students from expressing opposing political views, but they must take into account appropriateness and propriety," Ms Suthasri said.
"In Thai tradition, it is improper to interrupt an adult while he is speaking. Today's youngsters think fast and act quickly. Personally, I think we should look at what has been achieved, and not how this government came to power," she added.
She said students must know not only their rights and what democracy is but also respect the rights of others.
The Office of the Higher Education Commission is keeping an eye on university students and helping correct improper behaviour and opinions, she said.
The ministry's Semarak Centres, dedicated to helping with youth-related problems, will also watch how students express themselves politically.