Tensions rise, schools close in Thailand

BANGKOK, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Due to recent violence and threats made against teachers and students, over 1,000 schools were closed Wednesday in Southern Thailand.

Teachers reportedly received leaflets threatening violence against the southern schools, the BBC reported.

Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces, home to most of Thailand's Muslim population, were put under martial law last month. Thailand's government is considering imposing a curfew, as well, the BBC said.

The most recent violent attack last week left three Buddhist monks, one of them only 13 years old, hacked to death.

Ministers have blamed the attacks on both Muslim separatists and bandits.