ID :
141210
Tue, 09/07/2010 - 20:08
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/141210
The shortlink copeid
465 Narathiwat schools closed after teacher killing
NARATHIWAT, Sept 7 - The teachers's federation in the three southernmost Thai border provinces on Tuesday resolved to close 465 schools considered in at-risk areas of Narathiwat for three days for safety reasons after a teacher was shot dead by presumed insurgents.
Wilas Kongkham, 54, a teacher at Baan Mananggayi School and his wife, also a teacher at Tungtohdang School, were on their way to a fresh market in Narathiwat's Rangae district Tuesday morning when the two assailants fired an M16 assault rifle at the couple.
Mr Wilas died at the scene, while his wife was rushed to hospital where she is now in critical condition.
The teachers' federations in the restive south today immediately called an urgent meeting of local teachers across the region after the attack and resolved that all 465 schools in Narathiwat should be closed for three days, while urging security concerned agencies to adjust and improve the security plan for the safety of teachers.
Boonsom Thongsriprai of the teachers' federation said the temporary closure of schools is aimed at consoling teachers who are now frightened by the incident, but it depends on the consideration of each school to decide whether it will be closed or not.
The federation also asked military units in the area to upgrade and tighten their security measures to prevent further loss of life or injury of the teachers, according to Mr Boonsom.
Prasit Nookung, director of the Narathitwat Educational Service Area Office 1, said the office suggested the closure of schools only in the so-called 'red zone' or high risk areas which are located outside the provincial seat, while the schools in the municipality which have not been hit by the attacks should remain open as the closure will affect students.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Tuesday concerned officials must work harder to contain and solve the continued insurgency in the Deep South, while conceding that intelligence is still weak, but the authorities must be on full alert to prevent possible incidents.
Following the demand voiced by collective teachers in the restive south that the prime minister visit their provinces, Mr Abhisit reaffirmed he intended to visit them but will have to arrange appropriate schedule.
So far, 135 teachers have been killed, while at least 140 were wounded in insurgent attacks since 2004 when the violence erupted in the three southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat.
The overall death toll rose to at least 4,100 people including local residents, security personnel, teachers and suspected insurgents. (MCOT online news)
Wilas Kongkham, 54, a teacher at Baan Mananggayi School and his wife, also a teacher at Tungtohdang School, were on their way to a fresh market in Narathiwat's Rangae district Tuesday morning when the two assailants fired an M16 assault rifle at the couple.
Mr Wilas died at the scene, while his wife was rushed to hospital where she is now in critical condition.
The teachers' federations in the restive south today immediately called an urgent meeting of local teachers across the region after the attack and resolved that all 465 schools in Narathiwat should be closed for three days, while urging security concerned agencies to adjust and improve the security plan for the safety of teachers.
Boonsom Thongsriprai of the teachers' federation said the temporary closure of schools is aimed at consoling teachers who are now frightened by the incident, but it depends on the consideration of each school to decide whether it will be closed or not.
The federation also asked military units in the area to upgrade and tighten their security measures to prevent further loss of life or injury of the teachers, according to Mr Boonsom.
Prasit Nookung, director of the Narathitwat Educational Service Area Office 1, said the office suggested the closure of schools only in the so-called 'red zone' or high risk areas which are located outside the provincial seat, while the schools in the municipality which have not been hit by the attacks should remain open as the closure will affect students.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Tuesday concerned officials must work harder to contain and solve the continued insurgency in the Deep South, while conceding that intelligence is still weak, but the authorities must be on full alert to prevent possible incidents.
Following the demand voiced by collective teachers in the restive south that the prime minister visit their provinces, Mr Abhisit reaffirmed he intended to visit them but will have to arrange appropriate schedule.
So far, 135 teachers have been killed, while at least 140 were wounded in insurgent attacks since 2004 when the violence erupted in the three southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat.
The overall death toll rose to at least 4,100 people including local residents, security personnel, teachers and suspected insurgents. (MCOT online news)
