AFTER a car bomb exploded in Pattani province soon after midnight yesterday (Oct. 24) investigators have found out that the insurgents are moving to set off four improvised explosive devices simultaneously in four southern border provinces during Oct. 24-28, Naewna newspaper said today.
Investigators were also informed by local sources that two explosive devices were being transported to Narathiwat city via Tak Bai district to affix into a car or motorcycle and set it off. They are keeping a close eye on Route 4055, Ra-ngaw-marka road, in front of Narathiwat Rajanagarindra Hospital, in front of Krung Thai Bank and Bang Nak market.
They added that the motive is to create unrest in the area as the 20-year litigation period of Tak Bai manslaughter expires today. Killed were 85 southern protesters, 78 of whom suffocated aboard crammed army trucks on the way from outside Tak Bai police station in Narathiwat to an army barracks in Pattani.
None of the 14 suspects in the manslaughter case have been arrested since the last couple of decades. The key suspect, former Fourth Army Region commander Pisal Watanawongkhiri who has reportedly fled the country to evade arrest, recently resigned as Pheu Thai MP. There are also other former high-ranking government officials who still remain at large.
The car bomb went off on a road between Panare police station and Panare district office, damaging the police station and other government property. While all policemen are safe, two defence volunteers on duty got injured and were taken to hospital.
Mr. Mahama Saruding, an employee of the Ban Nam Bo Subdistrict Administrative Organization, had called Sgt. Asam Masari, a disaster relief officer, asking for help after eight to 10 men stole a car and tied up four officials on duty there. This was the vehicle that was turned into a car bomb.
An inspection showed that ANFO explosive had been used with steel rods cut into shrapnel and lithium batteries used to distribute energy. Two detonation systems were used, a DTMF radio circuit plus a digital timer circuit. Packed within were 15kg and 4kg gas cylinders, creating a 110x70x10cm bomb crater. In addition, officers also found a 30-litre oil container.
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Scenes from the car bomb explosion in Pattani and officers examining the site. Photos: Naewna
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