A school in Yala province has closed after a separatist group threatened the lives of its teachers.
Arporn Sompong, the director of Ban Kuwa School in Krong Pinang district, ordered the closure of the school for two days after being told by the Yala 13th Task Force that an insurgency group had made the threat. According to security authorities, assailants planned to attack the school from Jan 12-17.
Ms Arporn initially closed the school for two days from Jan 14. She is authorised to extend the closure, depending on the situation.
Military and police personnel were sent to guard the school and also conducted road patrols to provide security.
- See also: Earlier report
Earlier, Ms Arporn reported the threat to Adul Promsaeng, director of Primary Education Zone 1, and obtained permission to close the school for an indefinite period. Mr Adul authorised her to use her own discretion.
Ms Arporn was only recently appointed to Ban Kuwa School. Some believe insurgents are keen to exploit the fact she is new and has yet to establish firm ties with locals.
Security authorities believe close ties to locals will help drive out insurgent elements.
Ban Kuwa School in tambon Huay Krathing has 20 staff. Only Ms Arporn and Buthikorn Julapol, a teacher, are Buddhists.
The two were ordered to temporary duty at the Primary Education Zone 1 office until the tension eases. Authorities are also looking into who made the threat.
