A SUSPICIOUS object resembling an explosive device was found by the roadside of Highway 43 with “Pattani independence” spraypainted on this main thoroughfare today (April 18) while a teacher’s residence caught fire last night, Naewna newspaper said this afternoon.
The two incidents occurred after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited this Far South province yesterday.
Residents of Kamiyo subdistrict, Mueang district, alerted authorities after they spotted this suspicious object by the roadside with security forces quickly cordoning off the area to investigate.
The object turned out to be a glass bottle wrapped in black electrical tape, resembling an improvised explosive device, while spraypainted on abutting highway was the message in Malay language “Patani merdeka” which translates to “Pattani independence”.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit has been asked to quickly send a team to inspect and dispose of this possible improvised bomb according to standard safety procedures.
Meanwhile a fire broke out at a teacher’s residence in Ban Yuyo community late at night but as it was unoccupied no one got injured.
The wooden building engulfed by flames is at the entrance of Ban Yuyo Community School in Mueang Pattani’s Bana subdistrict.
Firefighters, who quickly arrived to put out the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings, brought it under control in a short time.
This area too has been cordoned off for safety, with officials awaiting the result of a detailed forensic investigation to determine the true cause of the fire.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – A Pattani school ablaze.
Insert – “Pattani independence” message spraypainted on the road. All photos – Naewna
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