Two homemade pipe bombs were thrown into a security unit’s operational base in Bannang Sata district, Yala province late on Thursday evening, leaving five security volunteers injured.
Pol Col Atthaphon Kunlawongmanaso, chief of Bannang Sata police station, on Friday morning led police, soldiers and local officials to inspect the scene of the attack, which occurred at about 6.40pm on Thursday at the Bannang Sata tambon protection unit’s operational base in Village Moo 3 of tambon Bannang Sata.
Initial inspections found damage in front of accomodation used by security volunteers stationed at the base. The blast shattered roof tiles and scattered debris, while several parked motorcycles were damaged.
The second bomb was found inside another living quarters of security volunteers. Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) officers were called in to neutralise it, and the area was cordoned off.
Forensic officers from Provincial Police Region 10 were also due to examine the scene and collect evidence. Authorities initially suspected the attack was intended to stir unrest in the area.
Amri Tohdeng, a security volunteer, recounted that he and seven others were inside their accommodation preparing to eat when they heard an object strike the tiled roof, scattering fragments, before an explosion followed.
He said the personnel immediately took cover, composed themselves and alerted their superiors.
The second bomb landed inside another living quarters of volunteers, about 10 metres from the first blast site but failed to explode.
Mr Amri said the base had previously been targeted in three grenade-throwing incidents, all of which he had witnessed during his more than 10 years of service with the tambon protection unit.
He said personnel would need to exercise greater caution and improve protective measures following the incident.
Sa-udee Jeseni, deputy head of the Bannang Sata tambon protection unit, said he was about to enter a command meeting room when he heard the explosion. He immediately alerted other units by radio and ordered personnel stationed at the front and rear checkpoints to take action.
An initial report indicated that one person sustained leg injuries, while four others suffered temporary hearing impairment.
Mr Sa-udee said security measures would be tightened by raising the screening net at the rear of the base, improving lighting, installing closed-circuit television cameras and increasing patrol frequency.
He added that personnel morale remained high and that they were ready to continue their duties to protect local residents.