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Policeman dies as blast hits armoured car |
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 Thailand
NARATHIWAT : Police are hunting a key insurgent suspect believed to have masterminded the bombing in Si Sakhon district yesterday that killed one border patrol police officer.
The bomb, stuffed inside two large gas cylinders and weighing a total of 100kg, also wounded two other border patrol officers.
A rebel group led by Bangsop Tolueno is thought to be behind the blast.
The bomb, buried in the middle of the road and set off by a detonation chord, wrecked the armoured car in which the three officers were travelling.
The force of the explosion ripped through the vehicle, killing Pol Snr Sgt Maj Prasit Pankhamkerd, 44, and seriously injuring squad leader Pol Sub Lt Supakorn Polthasri, 57, and Pol Snr Sgt Maj Vinai Ratsimuang, 44.
The injured officers were treated at a local hospital and are now in a safe condition.
The attack occurred as the police team was patrolling in Si Sakhon district on Tuesday evening to provide security for teachers.
Police have launched a manhunt for Mr Bangsop, whose group is thought to have planned the attack for a week.
Police had heard the bombing might take place, but did not know when or where, Si Sakhon district chief Kowit Rattanachok said.
Meanwhile in Pattani, a shop caught fire in Khok Pho district on Tuesday night. No one was injured, police said.
The blaze, which took firefighters an hour to bring under control, ravaged the shop, which sells agricultural tools and implements and engine oil.
The fire also damaged two adjacent homes on Phetkasem Road in tambon Na Pradu municipality.
Police are working to identify the cause of the fire, which shop owner Somphong Sae Ueng said started near the entrance gate of his house.
Police have not ruled out the possibility of an arson attack.
In Narathiwat's Muang district, police found the body of a man on Tan Yong-Lamphu bypass road at Ban Khae Na Moo 7 early yesterday morning.
The man, who was fatally shot in the head and chest, was identified as Phinyo Salae, 35.
Police investigators suspect the death may have resulted from a personal conflict.
Bangkok Post
21 June 2012
Photo Caption
Onepolice officerwas killed and two of his colleagues injuredwhen a V150 armoured car, used for security operations in the far South,washit by abomb blast in Narathiwat’s Si Sakhon district yesterday. WAEDAOHARAI |
