YALA: Three local residents and three police officers providing security for teachers were slightly injured when a bomb detonated in Krong Pinang district yesterday morning, local authorities said.
The bomb exploded at Ban Basaweng village in tambon Krong Pinang shortly before 8.30am, said Pol Capt Pongsak Khaonuan, deputy investigation chief at Krong Pinang police station.
The three injured policemen were named as Pol Cpl Apinant Talee, Pol Cpl Nattakorn Nontanok, and Pol L/Cpl Sharif Nuandam, all attached to Krong Pinang police station.
The blast also caused minor injuries to three civilians -- Mahama Buesa, Roseeya Sani and a young girl, who were all taken to Krong Pinang Hospital.
Following the bomb attack, a stretch of Route 410 Yala-Krong Pinang was closed for an inspection of the blast site, supervised by Pol Maj Gen Kritsada Kaewchandee, commander of Yala provincial police bureau.
According to initial findings, the bomb, weighing about 5kg was planted by the roadside and detonated by a radio device. The bombers are thought to have been nearby when it went off.
The injured officers were part of a six-member protection team travelling on motorcycles. They were returning to the police station after a security escort assignment at Ban Tahlohsumae School.
Police believe the attack was the work of a group led by Yahya Bueraheng.
