A violent incident between two students at a secondary school in Loei province has raised concerns over campus safety and student mental health, after a 16-year-old girl allegedly slashed her classmate’s face with a utility knife during a confrontation on Friday, November 28.
The victim, identified as 16-year-old Da, was seriously injured in the attack. Her mother, 41-year-old Kanoknipa, reached out to local media to seek justice for her daughter and to call for greater accountability from the school and the attacker’s family. She told reporters that Da had always been a disciplined student and a scholarship recipient, and the sudden attack left her both physically wounded and emotionally shaken.
According to Kanoknipa, she received a call from teachers around 1 p.m. informing her that her daughter had been involved in a fight. However, the initial explanation did not reflect the severity of the incident. When she arrived at the school, she was shocked to find Da with multiple cuts on her face and ears—injuries that required more than 30 stitches. She said her daughter has since been distressed about her appearance and traumatized by what happened.
Da recounted the incident, telling her mother that she encountered her classmate, 16-year-old Foam, at the school canteen. Foam allegedly pushed her against a wall before pulling out a Stanley knife and attacking her. Several students reportedly witnessed the altercation but felt too afraid to intervene.
After the assault, Foam posted a public apology through her social-media account, claiming she acted out of anger and emotional distress. She wrote that she had been struggling with depression and that her symptoms had not improved despite receiving treatment. In her post, she alleged that she lost control after hearing that Da had spoken negatively about her to her boyfriend. She also claimed that Da and other students had insulted her, including comments about her family background.
Foam stated online that she and her family were willing to take responsibility for the incident. She added that she hoped to apologize to Da and her family in person when Da felt prepared to meet.
Kanoknipa, however, told the media that the attacker’s family had not directly contacted them and that she felt left to deal with the aftermath alone. She stressed that her daughter now faces a long recovery process, not only medically but also emotionally, as she copes with the trauma of being attacked at school.
Authorities are expected to review the incident further, while teachers and administrators have come under public scrutiny regarding supervision and their response during and after the assault. The case has reignited discussions about bullying, interpersonal conflict among teens, and the need for stronger mental-health support within schools.
As both families seek next steps, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of early intervention, communication, and safe environments for all students. If you want a different angle—more legal, educational, or community-focused—I can rewrite it.
