Pattani: A bomb exploded in an alley adjacent to Pattani City Police Station, resulting in injuries to six volunteer defense corps members. It is believed that the attack was orchestrated by a group of insurgents aiming to target officers and create a tense situation in the area.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident took place at 8:00 AM today. Authorities inspected the scene located in Soi Pattani Rama, between Muang Pattani Police Station and TK Park, Pattani Provincial Learning Park. The bomb was planted while officers were preparing for a joint patrol involving police, defense volunteers, and the administration, totaling 30 personnel. Pol. Col. Jeffrey Sailamanakul, Superintendent of Muang Police Station, along with rescue workers and hospital staff, promptly transported the six injured volunteers to Pattani Hospital. The injured were identified as members of the 2nd Muang Pattani Defense Volunteers Company.
For safety reasons, the area was subsequently cordoned off amid concerns of a potential second bomb targeting the officers. Investigations revealed that the explosion occurred while officers from the three parties were organizing in front of Pattani City Police Station, as part of their regular routine. Some officers were positioned in the alley to inspect equipment, including weapons and uniforms.
It is suspected that the perpetrators covertly placed the bomb in a motorcycle and parked it in the alley between the police station and TK Park. They then used another motorcycle to wait in ambush. Upon the officers' arrival, the motorcycle bomb was detonated, scattering shrapnel and causing injuries. The blast alarmed nearby residents, prompting an immediate evacuation from their homes. The attack is thought to be the work of insurgents aiming to disrupt and threaten the officers' operations.