Suspect Arrested After Bombing Kills Two Malaysian Tourists
A 40-year-old man was arrested following a June 29 bombing in Tak Bai, Narathiwat that killed two Malaysian tourists when a device meant for security volunteers detonated near their vehicles instead.
Security forces have conducted a court-ordered search of a 40-year-old man's residence in connection with a bomb attack in Tak Bai on June 29. Two Malaysian tourists were seriously injured when the blast missed its intended target. Over 10 watches were discovered hidden in bags, and the suspect was brought in for questioning.
On July 2, authorities reported progress in the investigation of the bombing that occurred in a drainage culvert along the Saparom-Tak Bai road in the Phai Wan village area of Tak Bai district, Narathiwat province on June 29. The bomb missed its intended target and instead struck two Malaysian tourist vehicles, injuring them seriously and destroying the cars.
Major Phakvat Wansanuk, chief of Tak Bai police station, and Lieutenant Colonel Phornnurate Unyarat, deputy commander of the Third Infantry Regiment, coordinated a joint operation involving three agencies, EOD personnel, and bomb-sniffing dogs. Local leaders were invited to participate in the court-ordered search of the suspect's residence in Phai Wan sub-district.
Investigations and evidence indicated the suspect was involved in and had knowledge of the bombing. The perpetrator had detonated the device to ambush and kill personnel from the Sukhirin-Lok territorial defense volunteer unit who were returning by vehicle from a training exercise in Sa Tap sub-district, Yala province. However, the bomb missed its target and struck two Malaysian tourist vehicles instead, causing serious injuries.
Officers surrounded the residence and deployed bomb-sniffing dogs to secure the surrounding area before requesting consent to search. The homeowner cooperated with the investigation.
The initial search discovered over 10 wristwatches hidden inside bags of brown sugar placed in a corner of the bedroom, along with mechanic tools. The kitchen area contained motorcycle exhaust pipe components and numerous bags of various items.
The suspect was taken to the interrogation center at the 46th Ranger Force Command in Muang district, Narathiwat province. His possession of numerous watches and other items far exceeded what would be normal for a typical resident.
