Deputy principal shot, school shut

POST REPORTERS

Ban Koh Poh school in Nong Chik district of Pattani was ordered shut for three days after the school's deputy principal was shot and seriously wounded yesterday.

The shooting triggered an avalanche of more than 2,000 teachers seeking transfers out of the three troubled border provinces.

About 500 frightened students returned home shortly after arriving for class and being told what had happened to their deputy principal, Kowit Suebpradit.

The 40-year-old was driving from home on his motorcycle to school when gunmen pursued him and fired four shots. He was hit in the back, abdomen and hip.

Witnesses said Mr Kowit managed to speed away only to fall off his motorcycle by the roadside.

Passers-by rushed him to hospital and he was reportedly in a serious condition.

Ngamsak Kuacharoon, superintendent of Muang district police, said Mr Kowit had refused to be escorted to work, although the police had a rapid-deployment squad ready to be dispatched to protect teachers.

Pol Col Ngamsak added Mr Kowit felt he was safe as he had no conflicts with anyone in the area.

Ban Koh Poh school announced it would close for three days and immediately sought protection from the military for its teachers and students.

Pairat Wihakarat, president of the Confederation of Teaching Professionals of Southern Border Provinces, said more than 2,000 teachers had asked to be transferred elsewhere.

The continuing violence had made them feel unsafe, he said.

Defence Minister Chettha Thanajaro said soldiers would be sent to escort teachers and students on request but the military was short on manpower to ensure security in all localities. In Yala, meanwhile, men on motorcycle threw two Molotov cocktails at the house of Anuwat Supasri, assistant chief of Ranong's Muang district, causing minor damage.

He was not home when the attack occurred.

The first Molotov landed on the second-floor balcony but did not catch fire while the second rolled under the family car before bursting into flames.

Yala police chief Pol Maj-Gen Parinya Kwanyuen said joint police and army patrols would guard judges and prosecutors travelling to and from work.

Judges who lived far away would be given lodgings near the court, he said.

A source said border patrol police from Phaya Lithai camp in Yala had been deployed to ensure judges' safety in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, with some given one-on-one protection around the clock.