BANGKOK, May 13 -- A surge in violence in southern Thailand, where educators and students remain at risk of being targeted, is prompting an urgent appeal from the Federation of Teachers Association of Thailand (FTT).

The association wants the Thai government to take immediate steps to protect teachers and students in the conflict-riddled province of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat that border peninsular Malaysia, as well as in four districts of Songkhla, The Bangkok Post reported yesterday.

"The unrest has left teachers and students in the conflict-affected areas living in fear as they are being targeted in attacks that threaten not only their lives and property, but also their mental well-being," Prathum Ruangrit, president of the Souther...