Arson suspected for simultaneous fires at two stores in Narathiwat
Play
Fire broke out almost simultaneously at a low-price shop and a department store in the Muang district of Narathiwat province early on Saturday in what police suspected were arson attacks triggered by insurgents.
About 20 fire engines were rushed to the two sites past midnight. No injuries were reported.
The first fire broke out at a makeshift shop that used galvanised iron sheets for roofs and walls. The fire started from plastic goods in the middle and spread to other goods.
Firefighters took about two hours to put out the blaze.
The second fire was at Super 4 Narathiwat Department Store, the largest store in Narathiwat.
Firefighters took about four hours to control the blaze after it swept through and damage the entire building. Firefighters heard sounds of explosions several times, apparently from oil and inflammable goods.
The store had also been damaged in a blaze in September 2012, blamed on southern insurgents.
