Closing tutorial schools are urgently necessary : PM

Abhisit said the move is aimed at alleviating the situation of the influenza pandemic.

"I wish to ask all tutorial schools to suspend their classes to prevent the flu. Any schools which do not agree to close should take care of the hygiene and adopt more restrict preventive measures. We have to cooperate otherwise the situation will be worsening," Abhisit said.

The cabinet ordered on Thursday closing of tutorial schools nationwide for 15 days, starting from July 13, as the means to block the influenza pandemic. The order was criticised of being unable to the flu.

The premier said the government has urged the Ministry of Public Health to come up with additional preventive measures.

He supported the idea to use face masks in risk areas. However he said the use of face masks were still discussed among experts whether they could prevent the flu.

Meanwhile, the Education Ministry has informed a total of 2,310 tutorial schools around the country about the Cabinet's Thursday decision. Of the number, 1,232 were tutorial schools while the rest were language schools.

Education Minister Jurin Laksanawisit called for corporation in cleaning classrooms and air condition, preparing masks and hand gel for students.

Any students with influenza medical certificate can be absent from General Aptitude Test (GAT) scheduled to be held from July 11 to 12 and Professional A Aptitude Test (PAT) exam held between July 18 and 19.

Both examinations would be held as scheduled, the minister said. National Institute of Educational Testing Service will organise examinations for the absent students.