Narathiwat: The Border Patrol Police School in Ban Tuengor has been closed until January 17 following a tragic incident in which the school's principal and his son were killed in a bomb attack. Teachers at the institution expressed deep sorrow, highlighting the profound impact the loss has had on the community.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ban Tueng Ngo Pathumwan Memorial Border Patrol Police School 13, located in the Sri Sakhon District of Narathiwat Province, remains eerily quiet. The school, which serves 115 students and is staffed by 13 teachers, has been a sanctuary for underprivileged children for over two decades, offering education from kindergarten through to grade 6. Among the staff, only Police Lieutenant Colonel Suwit and Police Sergeant Major Dome were the male teachers.
Grade 6 homeroom teacher Kru Ba Haneebah Sani, an alumna and volunteer teacher at the school, shared her grief with the news team. She described the late Headmaster Suwit as a father figure who had been instrumental in her journey to becoming a civil servant. Suwit was remembered as a cheerful and diligent individual, beloved by the school community, who eschewed formal ranks and statuses. His son, Police Sergeant Dome, was recognized for his intelligence and IT skills, and like his father, was cherished by colleagues and students alike. The principal's other son, Police Sergeant Dutch, had once taught at the school but had relocated to Phatthalung to care for his mother as per a promise made to his father.
In a heart-wrenching account, Teacher Bah Hanibah recounted how she received the devastating news of the bomb attack from a parent. Initially disbelieving, she sent a fellow teacher to verify the report, only to have her worst fears confirmed. She was taken aback, as Principal Suwit was known for his cautious nature, especially when driving. He usually insisted on traveling alone to ensure that in case of an incident, his son could look after his mother. The reasons for their shared journey on the fateful day remain unknown, leaving the community in mourning over the sudden and untimely loss.