NARATHIWAT, March 30 – Two police were killed while three others were wounded while they were patrolling in this restive southern province to ensure safety, as residents went out to vote for Senate election.
A group of 16 police officers were on their way to inspect the situation in polling booths under their supervision in Ruso district when a roadside bomb exploded this morning.
The five victims were on the lead car of the motorcade led by Rusa police investigator Pol Maj Vasit Buama and were directly hit by a bomb which was built into 50-kg gas cylinder.
Narathiwat governor Natthapong Sirichana said he has instructed all officials to remain alert and soldiers have been asked to reinforce police in all risky poll stations. The polling booth which is located near the crime scene remains opened for voters.
Election Commision (EC) secretary-general Pushong Nutrawong today expressed condolences to the families of victims who were harmed while on duty to facilitate the election. He said that the explosion scene was one kilometre away from the poll station, but the incident has not affected voting for the residents in that area.
Mr Pushong said the EC has asked the three armed forces, police, governors and the interior ministry to step up security measures to avoid further incidents.
