Dirty school kitchen caused diarrhoea in 267 students, teachers

Health officials collect samples in the kitchen of Thesaban 3 Hathanwakhom School in Yasothon on June 11, 2026, as they investigate the mass outbreak of diarrhoea among pupils and teachers the previous day. (Photo: Yasothon Public Health Office)

Poor hygiene in the preparation of school lunches caused 267 young pupils and teachers to suffer acute diarrhoea at a school in Yasothon last week, according to health officials.

An investigation found microbiological contamination in the kitchen, which caused the high fevers, diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach aches that affected students and teachers at Thesaban 3 Hathanwakhom School on June 10.