Unknown attackers shot and set on fire a female teacher in Pattani province while she was traveling alone to school yesterday morning. Siriporn Srichai is the 170th teacher killed since the latest unrest in the deep South began in 2003. Her brutal slaying has shocked the public and has deeply demoralized teachers in the southernmost provinces. Kirinee Promjan said, "Teachers here feel frightened."
Boonsom Thongsri-plai, of the Confederation of Teachers in the Three Southern Border Provinces,"We are so saddened by what happened. This is a heartlessly cruel attack."
Siriporn had lived in Yala province with her mother. Her death means the elderly woman will lose the support she needs. A neighbor said, "Siriporn woke up early and cared for her mother before rushing out to her school every day."
An investigation indicates that while Siriporn was driving along her familiar route yesterday, two men on a motorcycle chased after her. The passenger then shot at her and after Siriporn crashed, he fired more shots. He then poured gasoline over her and set her on fire.
When police arrived at the scene, Siriporn's body was charred and her crash helmet was still on. Police said they found gunshot wounds in her body and head.