Blast kills 4 Pattani defence volunteers

A DEADLY bomb attack on a security booth manned by defence volunteers from Ban Khok Khilek village in Khok Pho, Pattani, has badly shaken locals living in a “strong” community. 

Thursday night’s explosion killed four volunteers and injured four others.

“We never thought that such violence would happen. Our community is strong,” village head Pitak Plodpai said yesterday. “Since 2004, many locals have volunteered their services to protect their home town amid the raging unrest.”

He suspected that the bomb was planted at twilight, just before the defence volunteers arrived.

Defence volunteer Niam Chaikhongprom said: “It’s a big loss. I am so sad.”

He escaped the bloody incident by luck. Just 10 minutes before the bomb went off, he was instructed to deliver documents to the village head.

“As soon as I heard the explosion, I rushed back. I ran into the site without hesitation. Despite concerns about a second bomb, many locals and I reached out to the injured immediately to ensure they reached the hospital as soon as possible,” Niam said. 

 

Demoralised

Jeh-dao Marae, kamnan of tambon Tha Ruea in Khok Pho district, said the attack was the most severe ever and gravely demoralising. 

He suspected that the bombers staged it to disrupt an area where Buddhists and Muslims co-exist peacefully. Nuwin Ponpong, one of the locals, said the attack scared her. “I hope safety will be boosted,” she added. 

Niam said his team was preparing to boost security in the wake of the attack. 

Killed were Wisut Kaewchan, Banleu Nuanphet, Adisak Chumuay and Klai Suriyong. 

The wounded are Thanom Khaosang, Somporn Khaosang, Cha-um Bualaem and Pian Patcharathammakul. 

Colonel Yuttanam Petchmuang, deputy spokesman of the Forward Command of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, said everyone at the agency extended their condolences to the victims and their families. 

“We will also extend full assistance and support to them,” he said. 

Yuttanam said the wounded were receiving treatment at Pattani Hospital. 

He said the chief of the Fourth Army Area had instructed relevant authorities to bring the culprits to justice quickly. 

The unrest in Thailand’s deep South has continued for more than a decade. 

Yesterday morning, a bomb blast on a road in Narathiwat’s Sungai Kolok left two on-duty soldiers slightly wounded. 

Sgt-Major Sanan Benpat, 40, and a Sergeant Pirayut, 29, were travelling by motorcycle and sustained shrapnel wounds. 

They were providing security to teachers. 

Police and Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers investigated at the scene. Police said the home-made bomb weighing about 5 kilograms was planted in shrubs and detonated remotely.

Four soldiers travelling on motorbikes behind them were unhurt.