Suspected Islamic rebels shot and killed a Buddhist high school teacher Tuesday, and an upscale hotel closed because of the violence in Muslim-dominated southern Thailand. Early Tuesday, a gunman on the back of a cycle of violence motorcycle shot and killed 42-year-old teacher Pinyo Wongrukawej in Narathiwat province's Sungai Padee district while he drove to work with his wife. "We believe that the insurgents were responsible for the shooting," said police Lt. Nethiwut Kingkhaew. Later in the day, Narathiwat Chamber of Commerce Chairman Panya Hongtrakul said the Royal Princess Hotel in Narathiwat's capital will close Jan. 1. It was not immediately clear if or when the hotel will reopen. Another southern hotel closed last month due to lack of business, Panya said. |