NARATHIWAT, July 3 — The Thai authorities detained a 40-year-old man on Wednesday (July 1) to facilitate investigations into a June 29 bomb blast that injured two Malaysians.
Tak Bai police chief Pol Col Pakkawat Wansanuk said that, based on investigations and the examination of evidence at the scene, the suspect, a Thai national, was detained at his house in Kampung Sepom, Mukim Praiwan, Tak Bai district, at 3pm.
“The inspection has uncovered 10 watches that were hidden in a gunny sack along with several pipe fragments. All of the items have been seized for further investigation,” he said when contacted today.
Pakkawat added that the suspect is currently detained under martial law for up to 30 days at the 46th Ranger Regiment in Narathiwat to facilitate investigations following the discovery of the watches and other suspicious items at the house.
“If the investigation finds that the suspect has no involvement in the bombing, he will be released as soon as possible,” he said.
On Monday (June 29), two Malaysians were injured when an improvised explosive device concealed inside a roadside culvert exploded near Sapom intersection in Tak Bai district at 11.40am local time.
Thai authorities said the Malaysians were not the intended target of the attack, which is believed to have been carried out by suspected insurgents.
Following the incident, Thai security forces launched a full investigation, which included conducting explosive ordnance disposal and forensic examination at the site of the incident.
