PATTANI, June 20 (TNA) – Three bombs exploded early Friday at the annual Red Cross fair in Pattani province, injuring seven people as southern Thailand continues to face unrest.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours, before the fair opened to the public.
Police and explosive ordnance disposal units responded to the scene at the Pattani Red Cross Fair on Suan Somdet Road. The first blast occurred inside a guard post at the Tourism and Sports Office. The second and third bombs detonated about 400 meters away, in front of roadside shops near the fair’s entrance.
The explosions toppled two lamp posts and caused damage to some shops. Seven people were injured and taken to Pattani Hospital. Five were vendors, and two were police officers. All are in stable condition.
The Pattani Red Cross Fair began on June 12 and is set to end on June 23. The bombings occurred after the fair closed for the night, with many vendors sleeping in their stalls. The first bomb exploded at 4:44 AM, followed by a second at 5:19 AM, and a third at 5:30 AM, causing the injuries.
Authorities have cordoned off the area and are reviewing CCTV footage. Investigators believe 5-10 assailants pre-planned the attack, entering the area after the fair closed. One group reportedly scaled a fence to plant a timed improvised explosive device in an unmanned guard post. Another group allegedly placed similar explosives inside lamp posts. Authorities suspect the same group responsible for a June 8 bombing at the Mueang Pattani night market carried out this attack to escalate unrest.
In a separate incident at 7:20 AM Friday, a bomb exploded near the Narathiwat Police Task Force 9322 outpost in Mueang Narathiwat, injuring three police officers. They were transported to Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Hospital. One officer sustained serious injuries, including a severed left leg, but is conscious.. -819 (TNA)
