Govt gives Bt64m to boost school security
In a bid to prevent the recurrence of recent hostage dramas in schools, the Cabinet yesterday approved a Bt64-million budget for the Education Ministry to build extra safety features in schools in the restive South.
The budget has been allocated to build facilities such as fences, and fortifying school gates as well as the government residences of the teachers to ensure their safety, according to Sansanee Nakphong, a government spokesperson. The budget will cover the expenses of 21 schools in three of the country's southernmost provinces, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, she said. Besides the budget to boost security, Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasathidya said authorities would dispatch two security volunteers to help guard schools seen at risk in the region. Villagers took two teachers hostage at Ban Kuching Reupah school in Narathiwat two weeks ago demanding authorities release two suspects arrested earlier in connection with the murder of two marines last year. The teachers were brutally beaten and one of the two, Juling Pangamoon, is now in coma. Her condition has not improved, doctors said. Initially all teachers at the school took leave, fearing for their safety. Six teachers have voluntarily resumed work and the school will reopen on Monday, Isman Muwanansin, the school director said
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