Cops prepare manhunt for bombers

Authorities have denounced the perpetrators of the three motorcycle bombs that injured 13 villagers including several children in Narathiwat in the deep South in the lead-up to this week’s Songkran festival.

The blasts that rocked Sungai Kolok district on Monday evening are believed to be linked to a militant group that continues to stir up unrest despite the government’s efforts to deal with the conflict in this Muslim-dominated province.

“Both Buddhist and Muslim Thais, as well as children, were victims,” Col Thanawee Suwannarat, deputy spokesman of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4’s forward command, said yesterday.

He asked the public to jointly denounce this “inhumane act” which not only threatened the lives of innocent people but also dealt a blow to the local economy.

The attacks are considered especially egregious considering their proximity to the April 12-16 Thai New Year, when tourists flock to the kingdom to enjoy its famous water-splashing tradition.

Four injured villagers are still being treated at Sungai Kolok hospital. Others who sustained small i njuries have been discharged.

Injuries were reported at all three spots where t he bombs went off almost simultaneously.

According to investigators, suspected insurgents planted them inside the motorcycles, which were then left in various parts of the same district.

The first bomb was detonated near a food shop on Prachawiwat Soi 3, wounding six people.

Two minutes later, a second blast detonated behind the Plaza Hotel on Thet Pathom Road, injuring another six.

The final explosion took place in front of Wat Kolok Themwimon, a temple on Prachawiwat Soi 4 Road. One passer-by sustained minor injuries.

The incident prompted the Isoc to tighten security and gather clues that it hopes will lead to the bombers’ hideout.

Investigators are examining footage from security cameras to launch a manhunt, Col Thanawee said.

He asked villagers to watch out for any suspicious behaviour.