Schools have always been an easy target for attacks
The torching of six schools in Thung Ya ng Daeng and Mayor districts of Pattani on the night of Saturday October 11 has provided a grim reminder of similar incident over two decades ago during the administration of Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai when separatists launched arson attacks against 36 schools in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces on August 1, 1993.
The schools which were torched on Saturday were Ban Nam Dum, Ban Pa Koo, Ban Khao Din, Ban Manangyong and Ban Tue Boh in Thung Yang Daeng district and Ban Kasor school in Mayor district.
Most of the schools were damaged beyond repairs while Ban Tue Boh school was partially damaged thanks to neighbours of the school who helped to put off the fire before it totally consumed the whole buildings.
Authorities suspected that the arson attacks against the virtually undefensible schools were meant as a retaliation against recent government’s suppression operations which have resulted to one core member of the separatists killed and several illegal items seized.
Apparently, the attackers didn’t want to hurt anyone at the schools under attacks although the schools were guarded by volunteers who were seized by the separatists.
Army Commander-in-Chief General Udomdej Seetabutr has ordered the Fourth Army Region to arrange for compensation for the damaged schools and to ensure safety for both the teachers and students.
The army chief earlier said that he would try his best to convince people in the Deep South that they did not have to put up a fight against government forces and to restore peace in the troubled region through negotiations.
He pleaded with those who share opposing opinions with the government to join the peace process.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on October 9 said that he had designated General Aksara Kerdphol, chief advisor of the army, to head the government’s negotiation team to hold talks with the separatist groups.
A former secretary-general of the Internal Security Operations Command, General Aksara is familiar with the unrest problem and can start the job without delay.