Schools In Restive South Open For New Semester Amid Tight Security

[george]

Schools in restive south open for new semester amid tight security

NARATHIWAT: -- Schools in Thailand's restive southern provinces opened Monday amid tight security as the new semester began, a day marred by the shooting death of a security volunteer in Pattani province.

Narathiwat schools -- 369 schools in 13 districts--opened for the first day of the second semester with combined security personnel and administration staff officials providing security at schools and along roads leading to the schools.

Security personnel have been closely monitoring situation in five higher-risk districts--Ruso, Si Sakhon, Jo Airong, Rangae, and Chanae.

In Yala, protection units also stepped up their security measures escorting teachers and school personnel.

Boonsom Thongsriplai, president of the Federation of the Southern Border Provinces Teachers, said it was confirmed by schools in the three deep south provinces (Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala) that all schools opened Monday.

He said teachers and students feel more confident with the provided security measures.

Mr Boonsom said that school administrators, the security forces and local residents are working closely together to evaluate the situation, and to find appropriate security measures before the second semester started.

He urged the government to speed up the development plan for educational personnel, as well as considering improved welfare and benefits for teachers in at-risk areas, in order to boost their morale and spirits.

Meanwhile, one security volunteer, Waesamaae Abdulhanung, 42, was shot dead in the Pattani provincial seat while riding a motorcycle to his workplace.

The gunmen, presumed insurgents, left the crime scene immediately, after shooting the victim directly in his forehead and chest.

Police said the shooting might also be due to a personal conflict.

-- The Nation 2009-11-02