Students and teachers from Khon Kaen’s Sanam Bin School observe a moment of silence yesterday in memory of teacher Juling Pangamoon, who passed away after she was beaten into a coma in Narathiwat. Similar ceremonies were held in schools across the coun

The nation bid farewell to teacher Juling Pangamoon yesterday, giving the Chiang Rai native a royally sponsored memorial service as activities commemorating her death took place throughout Thailand.

Friends, family members and residents from the village in which she had taught went to a Songkhla temple to pay their last respects to the 27-year-old, who died on Monday afternoon.

She had been in a coma for nearly eight months after she and colleague Sirinart Thavornsuk were beaten senseless by a group of about 10 angry young men amid a hostage stand-off between residents and authorities.

Events organised by fellow teachers were also held in several parts of the country, mainly in public schools. More than 500 teachers and students in Khon Kaen put a wreath on her portrait at their school to pay their respects.

The attack on the teachers shocked the entire country and became a glaring example of tensions between a predominantly Buddhist state and Malay Mus-lims in the three restive southern provinces. Juling became the 72nd teacher or school official to die in the ongoing violence.

The lustral water at the Songkhla service was sponsored by Her Majesty the Queen.

Her body was transported in a C-130 military cargo plane to her home town yesterday. Her coffin covered in the Thai national flag, her parents at her side, Juling arrived to a tearful official reception from friends and neighbours and more than 1,000 well-wishers waiting at Chiang Mai Airport.

Her mother, Kammee, was overcome with tears as she left the plane.

At home in Chiang Rai, neighbours and relatives came together to prepare for the arrival of friends and VIPs, including Governor Amornphan Nimanan, to take part in an evening prayer.

Juling's official funeral will be held next Monday.

Isman Muwannasint, director of Ban Kuching Reupah School in Narathiwat where Juling taught, said the entire school was saddened that Juling would never return. He described her as a dedicated teacher who contributed greatly to the school. The school plans to set up an art corner for children in line with Juling's wish.

Bamnej Thip-aksorn, deputy secretary-general of the Welfare Committee for Teachers and Education Officers, said it was planning to set up a foundation in her memory. An endowment of Bt200,000 will be granted to the foundation.

The money is intended to serve as a scholarship for students in Chiang Rai and assist teachers affected by the violence in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, said Bamnej.