Thai student hospitalised after teacher allegedly orders 800 squats as punishment
A 13-year-old student in Thailand was hospitalised after allegedly being forced by a teacher to perform 800 squats for failing to submit homework, raising serious concerns about extreme disciplinary practices in schools.
- A 13-year-old boy, Otto, was allegedly instructed to complete 800 squats for not handing in his homework and is now under medical supervision.
- Doctors have advised rest, leg elevation, and hydration to prevent further complications, while tests are ongoing to assess muscle damage.
- The incident has sparked debate over harsh school punishments, with the boy’s father calling for safer disciplinary alternatives and warning of potential legal action.
THAILAND: A shocking incident at a school in Thailand has drawn widespread attention after a 13-year-old student, identified as Otto (name transliterated from Thai), was hospitalised following a punishment allegedly imposed by a teacher.
According to Otto’s father, Mr. Adisak, the incident occurred on 2 February, when his son was instructed to perform 800 squats as disciplinary action for failing to hand in an assignment. Otto reportedly completed all the repetitions under supervision, but the excessive physical exertion led to severe pain and inability to walk.
Upon returning home, Otto began experiencing intense leg pain, prompting his family to rush him to a hospital for examination.
Initial blood tests indicated that his kidney function remained normal, but doctors are awaiting the results of muscle enzyme tests to determine the full extent of internal damage.
Medical professionals have advised Otto to:
- Avoid walking for at least three days,
- Keep his legs elevated, and
- Drink at least three litres of water daily to prevent further complications.
Despite these measures, the boy remains unable to bear his own weight, and his recovery is ongoing.
Family Impact and Reaction
Mr. Adisak described the wider impact on his family:
“I cannot go to sell my goods, and my younger child cannot go to school. His mother is heartbroken, as she is living far away and unable to do anything.”
He expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of such extreme punishment, noting that kidney failure, acute muscle breakdown, or permanent disability could result from excessive physical exertion. He also stated his intention to pursue all available legal channels to seek justice for his son.
Allegations of Pattern of Abuse
The father revealed that a nurse had recently examined two female students from the same school who presented with similar symptoms, suggesting a potential pattern of extreme physical discipline. He was, however, unsure if the same teacher was responsible in those cases.
Mr. Adisak urged schools to adopt safer alternatives to punishment, such as assigning tasks like cleaning restrooms or collecting litter, rather than imposing physically harmful exercises.
This incident follows a similar case in December last year in Udon Thani, where a 10-year-old boy reportedly suffered rib cartilage inflammation after being kneed in the abdomen and kicked during a disciplinary session.
That case also highlighted the escalation from verbal warning to physical punishment, raising ongoing concerns over excessive school discipline.
