155 slain teachers in Southern Thailand honoured

Khanit, who taught at Ban Kue Meng school in Yala's Raman district, was shot dead by insurgent suspects as he travelled home from class on Sept 6.

He was among the 155 teachers who have been killed in the three insurgency-torn provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.

Their deaths were commemorated by fellow teachers in Narathiwat yesterday who made a solemn promise to stay committed to teaching in the restive far South during a ceremony held to mark Teachers' Day.

More than 500 teachers gathered at Ban Manang Kayi School in Muang district, where together they made a lifetime pledge to not "abandon" students in the three provinces.

Despite the dangers, teachers in Narathiwat still have good morale, Ban Khao Tanyong School director Chomsit Songson said.

However, Khanit's father Pol Capt Phian Lamnui warned teachers not to put their trust in any authorities who claimed they could guarantee their safety.