Man admits part in murder of pickup owner in Big C bomb attack, police say
Authorities have arrested a man they believe is a leader behind the murder of the owner of a pickup truck that was used as a car bomb in the attack at the Big C department store in Pattani on Tuesday.
Police say the man, identified as Suaimee Samaae, confessed that he was involved in stealing the pickup and killing Nuson Kajornkam, the owner of the vehicle who is a native of Yala province.
Nuson was lured from his house by a man who telephoned him on Monday saying he wanted to buy his products. Nuson left his house on Tuesday about 10am to meet the buyer. About five hours later his pickup truck was parked in front of the Big C store in Pattani with explosives concealed in two gas cylinders hidden in the back.
The bombs exploded at about 2.30pm, injuring many, including women and children.
Suaimee’s arrest was revealed at a press briefing attended by Pattani Governor Weeranun Pengchan, Pattani’s army special task force chief Jatuporn Kalampasutr and provincial police chief Piyawat Chalermsri.
They told reporters that after Nuson’s body was found on Thursday, security authorities arrested Suaimee at Pattani’s Nong Chik district. He was questioned at Ingkayuth Military Camp.
Police say Suaimee confessed that there were eight others people involved in the incident. The eight already have warrants issued for their arrest for allegedly being involved in many attacks in Pattani and Yala.
Authorities say that the group appears to have escaped and the Big C attack was intended to create conflicts between Buddhism and Islam.