Thai teachers may get bullet-proof vests

BANGKOK, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- An official in Thailand has recommended issuing bullet-proof vests to teachers in the southern part of the country.

Deputy Education Minister Sermsak Pongpanit also said Tuesday teachers in the three southernmost provinces should be licensed to carry firearms, the Bangkok Post reported. He cited an attack Monday in Narathawiat province that left two government employees dead and five others hurt, one of them a teacher.

Col. Phummintr Chuamchuay, chief of the 48th Ranger Division, said at least 12 fighters attacked a jitney in Monday's attack. Some investigators suspect the group was also involved in killing a teacher.