Songkhla railway bombing likely to signify a stepping up of attacks before end of Ramadan
The Royal Thai police said on Monday that they believe the bomb attack at Chana district railway station in Songkhla was an effort by Muslim insurgents to step up attacks before the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Deputy Police spokesman Pol Col Kritsana Patanacharoen said the Royal Thai Police had been informed by the Provincial Police Bureau 9 of the bombing, which occurred at 6pm.
The bomb was planted behind the railway station, killing a policeman and injuring three police officers who were guarding the station. A passer-by was also injured.
The injured were rushed to Songkhla Hospital.
The spokesman said Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda was saddened by the loss of life and injuries.
Chakthip ordered the provincial police bureau to ensure that the family of the slain policeman receive all the benefits due and to take good care of the injured officers.
The national police chief also instructed police agencies in the southern border provinces to step up security in community areas, tourist destinations and government offices as it is believed Muslim insurgents will try to step up attacks before the ending of Ramadan.
Police were instructed to tighten security measures by searching all vehicles passing through security checkpoints, the spokesman added. He said police would also patrol business and community areas more frequently in the run up to Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.
The national police chief also sought public help in informing the authorities if they noticed suspicious persons.