How Many Innocent Bodies Die For 'face' Of A Few

[Ulysses G.]

3) Terrorism and extremism are normally a by-product of unemployment and a lack of education. Give people a job and a future and extremism will be reduced but never eradicated.

Sounds nice since it can't be proved, but, the facts are, that most of the leaders of these movements are from the middle class and are well educated.

Bin Ladin had all the comforts and advantages.

Edited September 6, 2006 by Ulysses G.

[the swagman]

Putting Israel and its' origin and politics aside, because they have absolutely NOTHING to do with the problems in the South of Thailand, I offer the following observation:

1) The present administration is correct in their view that they will not negotiate or deal with the Southern terrorist!

2) The present administration has exasperated the situation in the South by ignoring the pleas from the people on the street. Not necessarily Muslims, but also Buddhist who happen to live in these Southernmost provinces. These provinces are/have been neglected by the Bangkok proloteriat for decades. They receive S_it in help from the government.

3) Terrorism and extremism are normally a by-product of unemployment and a lack of education. Give people a job and a future and extremism will be reduced but never eradicated.

4) This administration is neglecting the big picture, these extremest don't necessarily dislike Thailand, but they resent their treatment by not only this Thai government but probably the governments over the last 50+ years. They have just gotten to a point where they won't accept the status quo NO MO!

But that is just my take on the issue.........

point 1 - agree. When there is no real agenda, then a meeting to negotiate is meaningless.

point 2 - I don't think you can blame the present administration completelyy for the problems. The problems have been there for many years. Many years prior to the present admin. The problem is a much bigger problem. The army nmust shoulder some of the blame. Poor unedereducated Issarn and central Thais who make up the bulk of the foot soldiers are not doing anything to help the problem. They don't understand the problem and they don't want to know.

Pojnt 3 - agreed.

point 4 - True, the extremists don't dislike Thais, in fact they are proud of beiong Thai. Southern Thais show just as much respect for the monarchy and the culture of Thailand as others. This government as like previous govts have given less to the south over the years than to other places in the country. The people of the south live a different way of life than people from the northern and northeastern provinces and have a different social structure, the authorities must understand this and accept it for what it is. Don't bring them into the mainstream way of life that has become Thailand.

They are not looking for handouts, they are looking for understanding.

I have faith in my belief that the generals and hgher powers have a good education, and are willing to try to understand the problems and grievencesof the southerners but I have far less confidence in the ordinary soldiers and policemen who are the people who face the locals on a day by day basis.

Understanding and respect is needed.

Respect for different cultures and respect for others and their ways seems to be a common thread on many of the posts on this board.

[sriracha john]

3) Terrorism and extremism are normally a by-product of unemployment and a lack of education. Give people a job and a future and extremism will be reduced but never eradicated.

Sounds nice since it can't be proved, but, the facts are, that most of the leaders of these movements are from the middle class and are well educated.

Bin Ladin had all the comforts and advantages.

Is that the case in Southern Thailand?

[Diablo Bob]

3) Terrorism and extremism are normally a by-product of unemployment and a lack of education. Give people a job and a future and extremism will be reduced but never eradicated.

Sounds nice since it can't be proved, but, the facts are, that most of the leaders of these movements are from the middle class and are well educated.

Bin Ladin had all the comforts and advantages.

You are totaly correct.......

You don't find the leaders of the movements leading by example, you find them like Osama, hiding out and directing the unemployed, uneducated footsoldiers.

If you look back to the beginning of the last century, who where the leaders in the communist movement? Educated and well off individuals who won over the masses of the unemployed and uneducated.

[sriracha john]

3) Terrorism and extremism are normally a by-product of unemployment and a lack of education. Give people a job and a future and extremism will be reduced but never eradicated.

Sounds nice since it can't be proved, but, the facts are, that most of the leaders of these movements are from the middle class and are well educated.

Bin Ladin had all the comforts and advantages.

You are totaly correct.......

You don't find the leaders of the movements leading by example, you find them like Osama, hiding out and directing the unemployed, uneducated footsoldiers.

If you look back to the beginning of the last century, who where the leaders in the communist movement? Educated and well off individuals who won over the masses of the unemployed and uneducated.

So Thailand's Deep South terrorism is being controlled by well-off, well-educated individuals directing unemployed, uneducated foot soldiers?

[womble]

I fail to see how Osama Bin Laden has anything to do with this???

The Problems in the south are not effected by outside forces or fanatical ideaology, it's all about the Thai-Malayborder region with some exiled Pulo leaders thinking they are once again important and of course the central Bangkok government not knowing what to do.

Personally I think Pulo are using this to help their cause although the violence is probobally being conducted by others. Pulo don't have huge public backing, the majority of people down there do not want a seperate state. The violence is created more because of a lack of authority and dissatisfaction from groups of locals, they are not all fighting purely for a seperate state as Pulo would like us to believe.

[sriracha john]

Govt to increase power of army chief in handling southern operations

Caretaker Defence Minister Gen Thamarak Isarangura said Wednesday that the government would amend a PM's Office directive to give the army chief an absolute control of operations in the deep South.

Thamarak said the directive to set up the Southern Border Provinces Peace Building Command would be amended so that Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin would have power to order other government agencies concerned with operations in the deep South.

Currently, Sonthi has the role only as the coordinator of the agencies, Thamarak sid.

Thamarak said the situation had changed from when the directive was issued so it needed to be amended.

The Nation

[Gonzo the Face]

Govt to increase power of army chief in handling southern operations

Caretaker Defence Minister Gen Thamarak Isarangura said Wednesday that the government would amend a PM's Office directive to give the army chief an absolute control of operations in the deep South.

Thamarak said the directive to set up the Southern Border Provinces Peace Building Command would be amended so that Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin would have power to order other government agencies concerned with operations in the deep South.

Currently, Sonthi has the role only as the coordinator of the agencies, Thamarak sid.

Thamarak said the situation had changed from when the directive was issued so it needed to be amended.

The Nation

While I feel that Gen. Sonthi to be a good man, I would suggest the use of caution. To me this looks like the gov't giving him the authority and then underhandedly not giving him the tools to do the job, causing more failure. Thus justifying the gov't stand on the South. He said some things last week that, no doubt, caused at least some embarassment to the gov't. Maybe this is pay off time.

[steveromagnino]

While I feel that Gen. Sonthi to be a good man, I would suggest the use of caution. To me this looks like the gov't giving him the authority and then underhandedly not giving him the tools to do the job, causing more failure. Thus justifying the gov't stand on the South. He said some things last week that, no doubt, caused at least some embarassment to the gov't. Maybe this is pay off time.

My guess is given the ineptness of TRT in handling things and current uncertainty, the Privvy Council and Prem have leaned on the govt to restore things to how they were before.

A good step in the right direction

[womble]

Maybe it's getting to a stage where they can't hide their failiures at somepoint someone needs to be held accountable for their failings, so they give someone more power so at some point in the future they can use this person as a scapegoat if things continue as they are, which almost certainly they will as they will give enough power to make him accountable, but not enough to get the job done.

I did notice the other day that the Prince flew with Sondthi to the south the day after he mentioned the need for dialogue. The Palace has made it clear that they support reconciliation, so maybe this a sign that they approve of Sonthi's call for dialogue. It's often seen in Thai Politics that when a government is involved in a confrontation with someone, if the Palace doesn't see eye to eye with the government on the issue the other party is often seen around Royal Members. It makes clear the Palaces wishes without actually really involving itself in Politics.

I hope thats within forum rules, my appologies if it over steps the line.

Edited September 7, 2006 by womble

[Losangels]

Govt to increase power of army chief in handling southern operations

Caretaker Defence Minister Gen Thamarak Isarangura said Wednesday that the government would amend a PM's Office directive to give the army chief an absolute control of operations in the deep South.

Thamarak said the directive to set up the Southern Border Provinces Peace Building Command would be amended so that Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin would have power to order other government agencies concerned with operations in the deep South.

Currently, Sonthi has the role only as the coordinator of the agencies, Thamarak sid.

Thamarak said the situation had changed from when the directive was issued so it needed to be amended.

The Nation

This is good news very good news. However I have my reservations, will it really be carried out ? Are there factions within the ministry and or various ministries that would want to see Gen Sonthi fail?

We have to wait and see to how it unfolds.

[sriracha john]

Local leaders back Sonthi's talks proposal

Dialogue 'would ease violence in region'

Local leaders yesterday backed army commander Sonthi Boonyaratkalin's suggestion that a political dialogue be held with southern insurgents, and welcomed the government's move to give him absolute control over operations. Worawit Baru, an academic at Prince of Songkhla University Pattani Campus, said the proposed dialogue would ease tension and violence in the restive region.

He said that negotiating with the insurgents was nothing new as officials at the operating level had engaged in such talks before. Mr Worawit said he agreed with the government's decision to boost Gen Sonthi's power as it would help authorities respond to situations more promptly. He said the now defunct Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) had succeeded in keeping the southern violence under control because it had a free hand in managing the conflict. Nidir Waba, chairman of the private Islamic schools in the five southern provinces, said yesterday that political dialogue was a suitable approach, but some questions had yet to be answered. ''Who is going to talk with the insurgents, and who are the insurgents? Will the talks really put an end to the conflict?'' he said. Mr Nidir deplored the dismantling of the SBPAC, saying it had resulted in diminished trust between local people and the authorities. According to Mr Nidir, the SBPAC was a channel of communications between the villagers and the authorities. Gen Sonthi said yesterday that the army was in the process of establishing contacts with the insurgents.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/08Sep2006_news11.php

[sting01]

3) Terrorism and extremism are normally a by-product of unemployment and a lack of education. Give people a job and a future and extremism will be reduced but never eradicated.

Sounds nice since it can't be proved, but, the facts are, that most of the leaders of these movements are from the middle class and are well educated.

Bin Ladin had all the comforts and advantages.

What's th dangerousity of Ben Laden? Nothing, or the same as the drunk guy who claim this or that in a bar.

The dangerousity appear when people start to think the drunk guy is telling hight what they think in their mind/heart.

So, if it was not poverty, no people feeling humiliate because their beliefs or their political choice ..... so terorism would not be the plague we know actually.

There is historical exemple : Canada in the XIX century, with english and french, catholic and non catholic .... Recently in France (mid 90') ... all those possible start for terrorism were changed as start for something that seems better (what is worst than terrorism in fact).

Let say if your beliefs are protected by the laws, if you can pray quietly in decent places, if your beliefs are considered as something private and sacred, how many of people sharing your beliefs will listen the drunk man?not much I guess.

Another root for terrorism is the fact people have to choose: I will always choose to stand by my familly first, then by my beliefs, then by my country and then by the humankind. If I have to choose btw my brother who maybe did wrong, and you that I do not know who is claimin my brother could have maybe wrongly behave, bet with who I will stand. So now, the same will apply with a fellow believer and a 'roumi', or with a fellow french man and a 'boche' ... Thousand, milllions of exemple throught the history.

[sriracha john]

Just when people thought that actual progress might actually be made to resolving the situation, the Deputy PM throws cold-water in everyone's face.

Deputy Prime Minister rejects talks with insurgents

Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya assured the public that the executive power of Army commander-in-chief Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin will be increased to better deal with the unrest in the far South.

The National Security Council is currently drafting measures under which the Army chief will play an increased role in handling unrest in Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani, while intelligence gathering will be enhanced, collecting more information and tips on a daily basis, said Pol.Gen. Chidchai, who is concurrently justice minister.

Gen. Chidchai confirmed he had knowledge of the leading personalities in the Southern insurgency and its political implications. However, the deputy prime minister declined to go into detail.

He dismissed speculation that the authorities would talks with the insurgents. He said the media may have misinterpreted the Army chief's earlier comments and jumped to the wrong conclusion that the government might come to terms with those who have taken up arms against the government.

The deputy prime minister sidestepped questions as to whether or not the Fourth Army Region commander might be transferred, should the situation worsen in foreseeable future or whether or not another round of violence might occur on September 16, the anniversary of the founding of the Pattani sultanate.

Nonetheless, the government policy for the South will remain unchanged, though action plans and tactics may vary from time to time, according to the deputy prime minister.

- MCOT

[Gonzo the Face]

Just when people thought that actual progress might actually be made to resolving the situation, the Deputy PM throws cold-water in everyone's face.

Deputy Prime Minister rejects talks with insurgents

Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya assured the public that the executive power of Army commander-in-chief Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin will be increased to better deal with the unrest in the far South.

The National Security Council is currently drafting measures under which the Army chief will play an increased role in handling unrest in Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani, while intelligence gathering will be enhanced, collecting more information and tips on a daily basis, said Pol.Gen. Chidchai, who is concurrently justice minister.

Gen. Chidchai confirmed he had knowledge of the leading personalities in the Southern insurgency and its political implications. However, the deputy prime minister declined to go into detail.

He dismissed speculation that the authorities would talks with the insurgents. He said the media may have misinterpreted the Army chief's earlier comments and jumped to the wrong conclusion that the government might come to terms with those who have taken up arms against the government.

The deputy prime minister sidestepped questions as to whether or not the Fourth Army Region commander might be transferred, should the situation worsen in foreseeable future or whether or not another round of violence might occur on September 16, the anniversary of the founding of the Pattani sultanate.

Nonetheless, the government policy for the South will remain unchanged, though action plans and tactics may vary from time to time, according to the deputy prime minister.

- MCOT

So much for the "Full Authority" morsel..... lasted slightly longer than 24 hrs , only to find out it wasn't that at all.....

When in the hel_l will this government let the right hand know what the left hand is doing...... then there will be no need to have someone int he middle deny all of it....... 1 government 500 mouths... dazzle them with B/S

[PeaceBlondie]

Let's try to be positive and hope that General Sondi will, in fact, be given enough authority and resources to contact the rebel leaders. Let's assume that General Sondi is a reputable man, and a good Thai and Buddhist, who does his job conscientiously and effectively. Finally, let's assume Geneal Sondi sincerely intends to meet with the rebel leaders.

Does he know how? What courses at military academy or graduate university taught him how to do this? He's always been a man under command, and now a man with generals beneath him, in a chain of command where nobody dares challenge authority. Has he lived in the South, or learned the language? Does he understand open dialogue where people listen to each other and reach consensus?

Are there two or three senior Buddhist abbots, sincere and humble, wise and temperate, who can accompany General Sondi and advise him?

Or are all these assumptions beyond absurdity?

Not completely off topic at all, I saw something similar in Chiapas, Mexico, regarding their ancient, unresolved conflict with southern rebels, many who didn't speak the language of the national capital. The president sent one of his staff there, who signed a lot of promises in the San Andres Accords. When that staff member got back to Mexico City, President Salinas refused the terms his own agent had signed, and the politicians never passed the legislation that was promised. Later, the new president sent one of the most trusted senior politicians in Mexico, H. Alvarez, who probably never even got around to having a meeting with Zapatista comandantes. Even worse, Alvarez' driver rounded a corner too fast and crashed into a bus containing many Mayas from the south, who were killed.

Good luck, General Sondi. It's your toughest assignment ever.

[sriracha john]

Let's try to be positive and hope that General Sondi will, in fact, be given enough authority and resources to contact the rebel leaders. Let's assume that General Sondi is a reputable man, and a good Thai and Buddhist, who does his job conscientiously and effectively. Finally, let's assume Geneal Sondi sincerely intends to meet with the rebel leaders.

Does he know how? What courses at military academy or graduate university taught him how to do this? He's always been a man under command, and now a man with generals beneath him, in a chain of command where nobody dares challenge authority. Has he lived in the South, or learned the language? Does he understand open dialogue where people listen to each other and reach consensus?

Are there two or three senior Buddhist abbots, sincere and humble, wise and temperate, who can accompany General Sondi and advise him?

Or are all these assumptions beyond absurdity?

Not completely off topic at all, I saw something similar in Chiapas, Mexico, regarding their ancient, unresolved conflict with southern rebels, many who didn't speak the language of the national capital. The president sent one of his staff there, who signed a lot of promises in the San Andres Accords. When that staff member got back to Mexico City, President Salinas refused the terms his own agent had signed, and the politicians never passed the legislation that was promised. Later, the new president sent one of the most trusted senior politicians in Mexico, H. Alvarez, who probably never even got around to having a meeting with Zapatista comandantes. Even worse, Alvarez' driver rounded a corner too fast and crashed into a bus containing many Mayas from the south, who were killed.

Good luck, General Sondi. It's your toughest assignment ever.

Apparently some clarifications are necessary, PB. I hope this helps to increase the understanding:

General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin

General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin is Thailand's first Muslim Army Commander-In-Chief and was appointed to his position on September 8th, 2005. The Commander was 59 at the time and from the time of his appointment, will have two years in office before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60. He was chosen, in the view of many, specifically in the hopes he would understand the situation better than any predecessor and resolve things.

----------------------------

Reuters report from Sept. 2005:

Analysts believe that the appointment of the Muslim chief to head the Thai army would help win over Muslims in the south, Reuters said.

"His understanding of Islam can help the Army to customize their operations to win hearts and minds of Muslims in the south," said Panitan Wattanayagorn of Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.

He maintained that Sonthi, Vietnam War veteran general, was promoted to his post because of his battlefield experience and expertise rather than his religion.

"He is the most qualified of the candidates," Panitan said.

------------------------------

His military background is impressive and unsurpassed by any other Army personnel. He's attended the best schools and academies the Army has and had been in charge of numerous positions. He's the best the Army has and is considered by many to be Thailand's best hope for resolution of hostilities.

Problem is, he's been hamstrung by having to implement Bangkok's decisions and policies which aren't necessarily his own desires and these policies continue to flame the discontent so prevalent there. If Bangkok continues to hold the reins of power... and absolute control of the situation, then he is restricted in just how HE would handle things.

Edited September 9, 2006 by sriracha john

[grapetable]

Apologies for going slightly off-topic but why is this 'conflict' not aired in the Western press and media. There is very little written or said on this situation. The potential for a broader conflict in the area is high in my opinion. It would be disasterious for Thailand.

Any ideas why?

Mr Table

[Gonzo the Face]

No oil, no over abundance of Natural resourses = no big money = no Big power concern or interest = No big Deal = No press

Pretty simple I guess...... Not that I agree with it but thats the way it is

[GracelessFawn]

Apologies for going slightly off-topic but why is this 'conflict' not aired in the Western press and media. There is very little written or said on this situation. The potential for a broader conflict in the area is high in my opinion. It would be disasterious for Thailand.

Any ideas why?

Mr Table

Why air it in the Western Press?

For starters it could scare business investors away, or the tourists!

[Gonzo the Face]

Apologies for going slightly off-topic but why is this 'conflict' not aired in the Western press and media. There is very little written or said on this situation. The potential for a broader conflict in the area is high in my opinion. It would be disasterious for Thailand.

Any ideas why?

Mr Table

Why air it in the Western Press?

For starters it could scare business investors away, or the tourists!

What you say may have merit, but only if you feel that the Thai government had final say in what the press writes around the free world... I wouldn't think they have that power.

The Media is a business. They follow the money and what sells papers to make that money is not the issue in the South , that is a big item to us locally.

[PeaceBlondie]

Thanks for providing what I should have known about the general's background, Sriracha John. That makes me a bit more hopeful. Still, while military academies give lip service to "winning the hearts and minds of the people," I doubt there's much instruction in non-violent peacemaking, or non-violent resolution of deep-seated ethnic conflict.

Again, best of success is wished to General Sonti.

[Donz]

These terrorists probaly dont have any oil

[sriracha john]

Thanks for providing what I should have known about the general's background, Sriracha John. That makes me a bit more hopeful. Still, while military academies give lip service to "winning the hearts and minds of the people," I doubt there's much instruction in non-violent peacemaking, or non-violent resolution of deep-seated ethnic conflict.

Again, best of success is wished to General Sonti.

mai pen rai, PB.... glad to be of some assistance..

I join you in your best wishes for success. IMHO, this is if not the the number one, it is one of, Thailand's premiere problems... It has led to over 1,700 deaths, each and every one putting a sad tarnish on this great Nation.

I sincerely hope the General can find a resolution and that he is allowed the latitude by the government to achieve it.

[sriracha john]

A very powerful piece of literature from the Associated Press that details vividly the horrendous conditions of life in the South....

Teachers under fire learning to shoot back

The Associated Press

CHULABHORN NAVAL BASE, Thailand — "When you pull the trigger, you've got to keep steady," the instructor sternly told the elementary school teachers. "If your hand is shaking you can't shoot."

Teachers have one of the deadliest jobs in southern Thailand, with 44 killed by the bombs and bullets of an Islamic insurgency since 2004.

So the teachers are learning how to shoot back.

The Chulabhorn naval base, on the Gulf of Thailand in Narathiwat province, opened its heavily guarded gates on a recent Sunday to a training course for 100 public school teachers, mostly Buddhist men and women who say bringing a gun to school has become essential.

"You'd never see a teacher anywhere else in Thailand carrying a gun," said Sanguan Jintarat, head of the Teachers' Association that oversees the 15,000 teachers in the villages and towns of the restive south. "But, we need them, or we'll die.

"

That teachers — not to mention Buddhist monks, bank tellers and motorcycle mechanics — have become targets in the insurgency illustrates how badly law and order has degenerated in southern Thailand since the violence flared in January 2004.

At first insurgents targeted mainly civil servants, soldiers and police officers. Attacks then spread to businesses that serve soldiers: restaurants, outdoor markets, garages. And now come attacks that seem to have no rationale at all, such as the murder last month of an elephant trainer who was shot seven times by gunmen who had lined up with children to buy tickets for a show.

More than 1,700 people have been killed across Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat — the only Muslim-majority provinces in this otherwise peaceful, tourist-friendly Buddhist country.

Among them was a teacher gunned down at his blackboard in July as his 4th graders watched in shock, and a Buddhist art teacher clubbed by a village mob in May until her skull shattered.

Teachers may be targets, officials say, because they are symbols of the central government's authority, or be taken hostage to be traded for captured insurgents, or because the militants want to do away with secular schools, sending the message that only Islamic schools — which have been spared violence — are safe.

But almost everything about this insurgency is a mystery.

It isn't clear whether the militants want a separate Islamic state in what was a Malay sultanate where insurgent violence has waxed and waned over the past century. No goals are stated, no responsibility is claimed for attacks, and no allegiance to foreign Islamic groups is declared. Authorities insist the uprising is purely domestic, but have been unable to arrest any leaders. They have flooded the area with 20,000 troops, but some local officials compare the predicament to that of the U.S. military in Iraq.

Lately militants have unleashed a wave of coordinated bombings every few weeks that kill sparingly but suggest a new level of sophistication and determination. Less than two weeks ago 22 banks were bombed simultaneously, dealing a potentially devastating blow to the local economy.

"Of course teachers should not be carrying guns, but they need to protect themselves," said Srisompob Jitipirmosri, a political science professor at Prince of Songkhla University in Pattani province who tracks the violence.

His studies show that nearly 300 schools and teachers have been targeted — mostly arson, bomb attacks and shooting at guarded teacher convoys going to and from school. Aree Aatomphrasangsa, a 50-year-old elementary school principal, says she owns two shotguns but has a problem — they don't fit in her purse.

"I want a smaller gun — a revolver," said Aree, pulling out earplugs as she walked off the military shooting range with a tray of blanks. Her school is in the Sisakorn district of Narathiwat province, in an area dubbed the "Red Zone" — a classification reserved for the most dangerous districts.

"A revolver is easy to carry and shoot," explained Aree, a slight, bespectacled woman with a ponytail. "When I drive, I can hold the steering wheel with one hand and use the other hand to shoot."

Nearby, Supat Sunanthakantharot, the shooting instructor, offered beginners a "short cut" — hold the gun in two hands, don't shoot and blink at the same time, don't be afraid of the bang.

"Focus. And remember, a gun can only protect you if you use it when you need it," said Supat, as he passed around a crate of pistols for the teachers to try.

At least one teacher in Yala province is known to have escaped by shooting back after an attacker fired at him as he was driving to school in March, said Thawach Saehum, a teachers' association official.

Strict gun laws have been relaxed for teachers, who are eligible for a special permit to carry weapons in the three provinces. But bureaucracy and high demand delay the processing of applications by months.

Thousands of teachers and school principals now carry guns — many without permits — and hundreds are wait-listed for gun training, said Sanguan, the teachers' association head.

The armed forces offer teachers .9mm Steyr pistols for 18,000 baht ($480), about a quarter of the street price.

While some worry that a teacher's gun could make him or her more of a target, or end up in a student's hands, the crisis is so acute that there is little debate about arming teachers.

Shooting courses started in late 2004 but have taken on new urgency since the shocking murder of the 4th-grade teacher July 24 at the Ban Bue Reng primary school in a Narathiwat village.

Prasarn Martchu, a 46-year-old Buddhist, was standing at his blackboard teaching a morning Thai-language class when a gunman walked in disguised as a student, fired twice and escaped while the two armed guards on duty were scared off by the gunfire, according to school officials.

At the dilapidated school, principal Adul Jehyeng now has a guard with a shotgun at his office door, but he isn't reassured.

"We're terrified," he said. "We need soldiers not security guards here. We need a new fence, one that nobody can climb over. We need better protection."

09/09/06

Teachers under fire learning to shoot back

[Gonzo the Face]

Is this a misprint or misquote ????

Nope on second thought T I T

Excerpt from SJ's last post

Prasarn Martchu, a 46-year-old Buddhist, was standing at his blackboard teaching a morning Thai-language class when a gunman walked in disguised as a student, fired twice and escaped while the two armed guards on duty were scared off by the gunfire, according to school officials.

Edited September 9, 2006 by Gonzo the Face

[sriracha john]

Is this a misprint or misquote ????

Nope on second thought T I T

Excerpt from SJ's last post

Prasarn Martchu, a 46-year-old Buddhist, was standing at his blackboard teaching a morning Thai-language class when a gunman walked in disguised as a student, fired twice and escaped while the two armed guards on duty were scared off by the gunfire, according to school officials.

very unsettling, eh?

His death reads as stoic, heart-wrenching poetry:

The teacher was shot and killed while still holding a piece of chalk in his hand, even after he laid dead on the floor.

May Buddha Be With You, Kroo Prasarn...

>>>>

[Gonzo the Face]

Reminds me of a statement made by the south end of a northward bound horse>>>

From today's Bkk Post....

excerpt from below link:

The project is seen as part of the answer to army chief Sonthi Boonyaratkalin's proposed dialogue with the rebel groups. His proposal, was rejected by Chidchai Wannasathit, the deputy prime minister in charge of national security, who is afraid the talks will make the insurgents look good

to some it must seem like a good enough reason to let hundreds of more people die needlessly.

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/11Sep2006_news01.php

[Losangels]

who is afraid the talks will make the insurgents look good[/b]

to some it must seem like a good enough reason to let hundreds of more people die needlessly.

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/11Sep2006_news01.php

Yea and make him and the police force look bad

We can't have him lose face can we?

[Ricardo]

who is afraid the talks will make the insurgents look good[/b]

to some it must seem like a good enough reason to let hundreds of more people die needlessly.

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/11Sep2006_news01.php

Yea and make him and the police force look bad

We can't have him lose face can we?

Especially if there were to be an election in the near future.