There are more than half a million teachers in Thailand.

Prime Minister chief General Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday that as part of the upcoming education reform there were two aspects regarding teachers.

“One is about teachers’ welfare and the other is about what teachers are expected to deliver,” he said. “Importantly, teachers should ease parents’ burden and boost the quality of children’s [education].”

Several events were held across Thailand yesterday to honour the teaching profession and its members.

In the southernmost province of Yala, Deputy Yala Governor Jessada Jitrat presided over a ceremony to grant plaques of honour to outstanding teachers and education personnel.

In another southern province, Narathiwat Governor Suraporn Prommoon gave alms to monks dedicated to 109 teachers and education officials who have died in incidents related to the unrest in the deep South.

The ongoing wave of violence in Thailand’s southernmost region started around 2014, when teachers were targeted almost daily.

“When I was first assigned to the deep South, I was very frightened. But as a teacher, I have resolved to focus on my duty. I am committed to teaching and guiding my students well,” Sutham Nuikrai said from Narathiwat.

Boonsom Thongsriprai, chairman of the federation of teachers in the three southern provinces, urged the government to urgently pay Bt4 million for each teacher’s death. According to him, the families of several victims have not yet been compensated.

Dr Kasame Bamrungveth, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University’s president, told teachers to keep pace with technology and boost their English knowledge.

“These two [areas] are crucial for self-improvement for both teachers and students,” he said.