The southern border provinces have been plagued by violence for the past few years, which is blamed on suspected insurgents.

"If this project is successful in promoting reconciliation and enhancing the students' academic performance, more students will be recruited to join the project next year," Wijit said at the Satriwithaya School.

Satriwithaya School is among 14 prestigious schools participating in the project. Other participating schools include Suankularb Wittayalai, Samsen Wittayalai, Triamudomsuksa Pattanakarn and Debsirin.

Wijit said an evaluation would be conducted to determine whether the programme was efficient in enhancing a reconciliatory mood and students' academic knowledge adding that the project was based on past experiences that residents of the south tended to have a better understanding about Bangkok after their children came to study here.

"The students can share their experiences of Bangkok with their communities," Wijit said.

He said Bangkok was a melting pot where southern students could learn to live with cultural, religious and racial diversity. "When they return home, they can apply what they learn to good use," Wijit said.

The education minister also urged teachers to take care of the students as though they were their own children.

Chaiwat Yaikhok, a student from Narathiwat, said he believed the project would help bring peace to the deep South.