The Education Ministry has decided to delay the opening of the new school term to June 1.

Education Minister Trinuch Thienthong said that coronavirus infections may be more severe and that would affect classes and activities.

Parents were also worried, she said.

The ministry had prepared guidelines to ensure the delay would not affect learning and the rights of students.

Between May 17 and May 31, all schools and teaching personnel were to prepare learning places, management and other related tasks for the new term, and ensure a full understanding with parents, Ms Trinuch said.

Teachers may be assigned to visit students at their home and to organise extra learning activities online, she said.

Schools on the outskirts of towns which were only slightly affected by the Covid-19 outbreak may be able to provide normal courses, the minister said.

"The new term is delayed for just 11 days. During this period, all educational institutes must prepare courses to meet the curriculum. The end of the school term remains unchanged, as on the school calendar, on Oct 11,’’ the minister said.