YALA - Gunmen fired shots at Lam Mai police station in Muang district of this southern border province on Monday morning, causing the closure of a nearby school while students were still arriving for classes.
The attackers approached the police station in tambon Lam Mai through a forest and rubber plantation at the back. They opened fire about 7.55am. Police fired back. The exchange of shots lasted a few minutes.
No one was injured. However, the principal of Ban Paron elementary school, which is opposite the police station, chose to close it temporarily on Monday for the safety of students.
As students arrived at the school they were informed and immediately sent back to their parents or guardians.
Pol Maj Gen Kong-at Suwannakham, chief of Yala police, ordered maximum security and strict searches of local vehicles as the hunt for the shooters continued.
The area was cordoned off and bomb disposal experts brought in to check if it was safe.
Police stations in the deep South are frequently attacked by separatist militants. A police station in Sai Buri district of Pattani province was attacked in late May. One policeman was killed.
In July a car bomb was detonated at another police station in Muang district of Narathiwat. One policeman suffered a minor injury.
