Forensic officials inspect the scene of the ambush that killed two Army rangers in Pattani yesterday.

Three students also injured; 11 schools delay reopening over safety fears

On the day that 44 of the 55 schools in Yala's Raman district reopened after brief closures due to the killing of a school director, Muslim insurgents yesterday ambushed a school bus in Pattani, killing the two Army rangers who were protecting it.

Three students were also injured in the attack at 3.30pm in Nong Chik district.

The bus was transporting students from Yabi Bannawit School to their homes.

The 44 schools in Raman district reopened after having suspended classes following the shooting last Wednesday of Banmahae School director Weera Muanchan, according to a senior provincial education official.

Boosting security

Yala Education Office director Atthasit Rattanaklaew said security had been tightened to prevent further incidents.

Soldiers are on patrol on all routes leading to and from schools, while parents have been seen bringing their children to classes.

Atthasit said 11 schools would delay reopening until tomorrow due to concerns over teachers and pupils' safety following a shooting incident between security forces and suspected insurgents near two schools.