A seven-year-old student has died after being forced to run around a field as punishment for failing to wear a full Boy Scout uniform.
It was reported yesterday that Wuttipat Krueasom, a Pratom 1 student at a private school in Prachin Buri's Kabin Buri district, was punished by his teacher for wearing an incomplete uniform.
According to reports, he was told to run around the school's field five times.
While running, Wuttipat grew short of breath. After being informed by the school about his condition, his parents came to the school to pick him up and took him to a local clinic.
However, he was in such a critical condition that he was sent to Kabin Buri Hospital, which was unable to save him.
Wuttipat suffered from asthma, according to his father.
Siripong Angkasakulkiat, an assistant to the education minister, expressed his sorrow at the news, adding that a commission would be formed to investigate the matter.
He said if the punishment the boy received was found to be too severe, someone will have to be responsible for what happened. He stressed that justice needs to be provided to both parties.
Mr Siripong also emphasised that teachers should change their mindsets as the world and society have changed a lot. He suggested the teacher who punished the boy should have just warned him instead of punishing him.
The government's compensation for the boy's death will depend on his insurance and the school's compensation plan, he said.