YALA, Dec 27 – A roadside bomb exploded in Yala’s Baroh subdistrict Friday morning, injuring a volunteer ranger as security in the violence-plagued southern border region has been tightened to ensure travellers’ safety during the New Year holidays.
Police said the ambush took place on Yaha-Baroh Road where a team of eight volunteer rangers was on patrol to ensure safety for school teachers.
Police said a 3-5 kg homemade bomb was built into a steel box and hidden at roadside. The victim was identified as Odd Patcharakonchai, 25. He was sent for treatment to a local hospital.
In the neighbouring province of Narathiwat, authorities have stepped up security measures for the upcoming holidays. Chulabhorn Marine Naval Camp’s chief, Group Capt. Noppadol Titawattanakul said some 3,000 personnel were not allowed to take leave during the New Year.
He said checkpoints have been set up together with special task forces and sniffing dogs to be stationed around celebration venues, particularly in provincial seat areas and at Narathiwat’s Tak Bai district where special celebrations are scheduled.
Rehearsals have been conducted in case of emergency, while the navy will be on patrol missions to ensure safety for Thai and international visitors.
