Mass School Closures Ordered In Thailand

[george]

Mass school closures ordered in Thailand

Thailand has ordered massive school closures across its Muslim-majority south as the region grapples with an eruption of violence against government targets and Buddhist monks.

All 248 schools in Narathiwat province have been closed and at least 40 per cent of schools in two other provinces have been shut down after emergency meetings to discuss the crisis.

In a statement, the teachers' council in Narathiwat province says all schools will be closed for three days because of concern about possible attacks and abduction of students and teachers.

The decision affects all public and private primary and secondary schools.

The province this month witnessed a wave of attacks on soldiers, police and Buddhist monks.

The government has variously blamed bandits, separatists and "mujahedin" for the ongoing violence.

--Agencies 2004-01-27