ID :
141487
Thu, 09/09/2010 - 20:25
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http://m.oananews.org//node/141487
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Thai PM may visit far South later this month
BANGKOK, Sept 9 - Following continued insurgent attacks in the Thailand's deep South with the latest killing of two Narathiwat teachers, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Thursday he will visit the country's insurgency-impacted provinces later this month.
The premier's reaction came as 365 schools in Narathiwat have been closed since Wednesday for the safety of teachers after two educators were shot dead by presumed insurgents Tuesday morning.
The latest violence raises the death toll of teachers killed by presumed insurgents to 137 since 2004 when the violence re-erupted in the restive region.
The Teachers' Federation in the three southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat on Tuesday resolved that all 465 schools in the red 'high-risk' zones should be closed for three days but it depends on consideration of each school over the closure.
The federation also urged security concerned agencies to adjust and improve the security plan for the safety of teachers.
The majority of Narathiwat schools decided to close from Wednesday, but some 60 other schools, mostly in the provincial seat, remain open amid tight security.
Schools in nearby provinces of Pattani and Yala also opened as usual despite fears of possible insurgent attacks.
The premier on Thursday told reporters before chairing a meeting of ministers for developing the five southern border provinces that he would meet representatives of the Teachers' Federation in the region on Monday.
Discussion was to focus on extra security measures for teachers and other welfare benefits.
"The shooting of teachers does not mean that concerned authorities did not do their duty. There are still some security lapses needing to be adjusted," said the prime minister.
Mr Abhisit said he expects to make a one-day visit to the southernmost provinces at the end of this month before attending the United Nations' General Assembly.
Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat said he has asked security agencies to tighten security and boost morale of local teachers there and that he will raise the demands of the Teacher's Federation to the premier for consideration on Monday.
Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda conceded that teachers are targets of insurgent attacks as they are important personalities in the southern border provinces, adding the army troops will provide more security for them.'
"Teachers are important persons in the areas as they give knowledge and correct information to students. So they become 'vulnerable' targets," said Gen Anupong. The army has operations systems and the teachers must inform us when they will travel outside normal routes and the soldiers will survey the route for them. (MCOT online news)
The premier's reaction came as 365 schools in Narathiwat have been closed since Wednesday for the safety of teachers after two educators were shot dead by presumed insurgents Tuesday morning.
The latest violence raises the death toll of teachers killed by presumed insurgents to 137 since 2004 when the violence re-erupted in the restive region.
The Teachers' Federation in the three southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat on Tuesday resolved that all 465 schools in the red 'high-risk' zones should be closed for three days but it depends on consideration of each school over the closure.
The federation also urged security concerned agencies to adjust and improve the security plan for the safety of teachers.
The majority of Narathiwat schools decided to close from Wednesday, but some 60 other schools, mostly in the provincial seat, remain open amid tight security.
Schools in nearby provinces of Pattani and Yala also opened as usual despite fears of possible insurgent attacks.
The premier on Thursday told reporters before chairing a meeting of ministers for developing the five southern border provinces that he would meet representatives of the Teachers' Federation in the region on Monday.
Discussion was to focus on extra security measures for teachers and other welfare benefits.
"The shooting of teachers does not mean that concerned authorities did not do their duty. There are still some security lapses needing to be adjusted," said the prime minister.
Mr Abhisit said he expects to make a one-day visit to the southernmost provinces at the end of this month before attending the United Nations' General Assembly.
Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat said he has asked security agencies to tighten security and boost morale of local teachers there and that he will raise the demands of the Teacher's Federation to the premier for consideration on Monday.
Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda conceded that teachers are targets of insurgent attacks as they are important personalities in the southern border provinces, adding the army troops will provide more security for them.'
"Teachers are important persons in the areas as they give knowledge and correct information to students. So they become 'vulnerable' targets," said Gen Anupong. The army has operations systems and the teachers must inform us when they will travel outside normal routes and the soldiers will survey the route for them. (MCOT online news)
