Pupils returned to schools across Bangkok on Monday although not everyone was allowed to reunite with classmates.

A surge in Covid-19 infections in Bangkok at the end of last year forced classes online as the city entered a partial lockdown.

The infection rate has since improved.

Bored of being stuck at home, many students could not have been happier to return to school.

However, for some pupils and staff in Bang Khunthian, Bang Bon and Nong Khaem districts bordering Samut Sakhon, the location of the outbreak, the wait isn't over yet.

Students enrolled in the three Bangkok districts who live in Samut Sakhon or whose parents or members of the household work there, have been told to continue studying from home until further notice.

Nong Khaem is adjacent to Krathum Baen district in Samut Sakhon and although far from Muang district, which is where the outbreak emerged, officials are taking all the necessary precautions to prevent new infections.

The director of Wat Nong Khaem School, Piromsak Kitpattanasombat, said online classes will continue, adding that extra classes were being arranged for all students after complaints by parents that online learning was proving inadequate and their children had fallen behind in their studies.

It was a similar situation at Watsrinualthammawimol School, also in Nong Khaem district, where the school has launched a dedicated website for students to access and review educational material.

Some students, however, are clearly eager for classes to resume, despite availability of improved online learning resources.

"But nothing beats the face-to-face company of friends,” said Pattarawadee Salikarin, 14, a Mathayom 2 student at Watsrinualthammawimol School. 

She said in the past month she has kept in touch with four to five close friends via Facebook Messenger and Line.

"It's nice to be able to hear their voices from time to time," she said.