YALA, March 18 (TNA) – Thai authorities have beefed up
security in the southernmost province of Yala and other provinces after an
insurgent attack in front of a government office on Tuesday injured 26 people.
Two explosions including a car bomb in front of the Southern
Border Provinces Administration Centre occurred at 10.24 am Tuesday morning as
officials were attending an urgent meeting on Covid-19 prevention.
Suspected insurgents detonated the first bomb that drew
officers to the site in front of the compound.
About 10 minutes later, a more powerful car bomb exploded while officers
were inspecting the scene.
Twenty officers along with reporters, including MCOT
cameraman, were slightly injured.
Office buildings and vehicles parked near the scene were also damaged.
Lt General Pornsak Pulsawat, Army Region 4 chief, said
security agencies believed the culprits were the same group that killed 15
civilians in the attack at village security post.
Police have traced at least two of the attackers who were
caught by surveillance cameras.
In Songkhla, police and soldiers have stepped security
measures. Road checkpoints are on duty
round the clock in five districts including Hat Yai, the business hub of
southern Thailand.(TNA)
