Thailand 'rebels' attack schools.

Suspected Muslim insurgents in southern Thailand have burnt down three schools and shot and wounded a teacher.

The attacks took place overnight on Saturday in the Muslim-dominated province of Yala.

They came after Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, installed in an October coup, apologised for the policies of the previous government.

More than 1,500 people have died in violence in the country's restive south since January 2004.

Three schools were completely gutted and a fourth badly damaged in the blazes which began almost simultaneously during the night.

A police officer told Reuters news agency that four militants had shot the couple and their daughter from the back of motorcycles later on Saturday.

Schools and teachers are a frequent target as symbols of the distant Bangkok-based government.

Many teachers have even been issued guns to protect themselves.

On Friday, the new government ordered the release of 92 Muslims charged with taking part in an anti-government rally two years ago during which 85 protesters died while in army custody.

BBC News.

Hat tip: LGF's: Religion of Peace Strikes in Thailand Despite PM's Apology.
- posted by Rosemary Welch@12:13 AM