Education authorities, religious leaders and civil society are being urged to step in to resolve a dispute over a ban on Islamic headscarves by a local school in Pattani to ensure the issue does not escalate.
Angkhana Neelapaijit, a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has expressed concern the dispute at Anuban Pattani school might create tensions similar to those at Wat Nong Chok school in Bangkok's Nong Chok district in 2010.
The ban on the headscarves was said to have been issued by school director Prachak Chusri on the basis the school is located within the temple compound.
At Wat Nong Chok school, controversy erupted when a group of 17 Muslim students sought permission to wear the hijab but their request was rejected on the same basis.
Following the dispute, the issue was brought before the Supreme Sangha Council (SSC), according to Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw).
The SSC resolved that schools located on monastic property must follow temple rules and Buddhist custom prohibits the display of obvious religious symbols.
The Muslim Group for Peace argued the school order contravened the Education Ministry's regulations on uniforms which allows Muslim students to wear white plain headscarves or their religious uniforms.
In Pattani, dozens of parents are said to be upset by the ban and reportedly plan to protest by having their children wear Muslim clothes to school when it opens tomorrow.
According to Ms Angkhana, "The Education Ministry has regulations about the dress code of Muslim students, but the school claims it is located on a monastic land so religion is involved.
"I think every religion should embrace compassion," she said.
She also pointed out that the constitution recognises freedom of religious practice as long as it does not undermine the public interest.
The human rights commissioner's comments followed reports that about 50 parents gathered on Friday to extend moral support to the parents of three girls who were asked to attend a school meeting where they were informed of the ban.
Kadaria Hemmin, one of the parents, said she was advised to find a new school if her daughter did not comply.
She insisted the Education Ministry's rules and the law provide clear guidelines about dress code and said she is considering filing a lawsuit against the school.
Pareeta Almunee, another parent who was warned by the school, said she also hoped that the school would let students wear clothes allowed by the Education Ministry.
She said other parents plan to have their children wear the Islamic headscarves to school tomorrow.
Deputy Education Minister Gen Surachet Chaiwong said religious clothes are usually discussed and agreed by school committees which are represented by parents, religious leaders and teachers.
"I'm not worried [the dispute will intensify] because the matter needs to be considered and an agreement is normally reached," he said.
Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd yesterday played down the issue, saying it could be settled.
"It's possible for those concerned to work this out. The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) and the governor can find a solution," he said.
Waedueramae Mamingji, chairman of Pattani provincial Islamic committee and a member of the school board, said the ban is the result of a vote and has nothing to do with religious beliefs or intolerance.
Isara On-thongin, a Buddhist parent, said she is not opposed to the wearing of headscarves in school.
"It's normal for them to wear the headscarves and I don't think it is a problem. They can wear them. It's their right," she said.
Ngamsuk Rattanasathian, an academic attached to the Human Rights and Peace Institute at Mahidol University, called for flexibility.
"I think they should talk what the monastic land means and why this is a concern for Buddhists. I think the situation in the [deep] South is sensitive and it shouldn't escalate."