Cabinet ministers are expected to today approve the award, which would be named in honour of the Chiang Mai woman who died last week after almost eight months in a coma.

Juling was brutally beaten last May after being taken hostage by Narathiwat villagers demanding the release of suspected militants.

Today is Teachers' Day, and Juling is set to become the award's first recipient.

Next year, the Juling Pangamoon Award will be presented to a teacher from each of the country's four main regions.

The award has been named "Tracing the Honour of Teachers with Ideals and Spirit". Recipients will receive Bt100,000 and a certificate.

To qualify, teachers must work in areas of cultural and religious difference, or where there is risk to life and security.

Juling, who was 27, taught at the Kuching Reupah School in Narathiwat.