Tak bai: A loud explosion shook the Tak Bai district in Narathiwat province, targeting security personnel but instead hitting a Malaysian vehicle, injuring two individuals. The blast occurred on Sapom-Takbai Road in Ban Phaiwan, Moo 7, Phaiwan Subdistrict, causing significant damage to the vehicle and resulting in two injuries.

According to Thai News Agency, the explosion left a Malaysian car parked precariously on the right side of the road, next to the guardrail, with its front, hood, and windshield severely damaged. Rescuers quickly extricated the two Malaysian nationals trapped inside and transported them to Tak Bai Hospital for urgent treatment.

Authorities discovered a bomb crater near a culvert on the left lane of the road. The crater was 2 meters deep and 4 meters wide, with fragments of shrapnel from an improvised explosive device (IED) scattered across the area. The device, assembled inside a red Malaysian cooking gas cylinder weighing at least 70 kg, was detonated using a radio communication device. Officials collected the fragments as evidence.

Investigations revealed that before the explosion, an armored pickup truck carrying four Territorial Defense Volunteers (TDV) from the Suai Ngai Kolok District Office was returning from troop training in Tha Saap Subdistrict, Mueang Yala District. At the time, a Malaysian vehicle was attempting to overtake the TDV vehicle. The assailant, hiding nearby, detonated the device using a remote control. Authorities suspect the attack was executed by a violent insurgent group.

The injured Malaysians are identified as Mr. Abdullah Syarapi Bin Abd Rahman, 45, who sustained lacerations to his forehead, head, left hand, and a disfigured left thigh, and Mr. Muhammad Yusri Bin Udin, 38, who suffered injuries to his right arm and left fingers. Both individuals are reported to be conscious.

Mr. Boonchuey Homyamyen, Governor of Narathiwat Province, directed Mr. Chakrit Suranatkul, Deputy Governor, to monitor the injured closely. He also issued urgent orders for medical care, diplomatic coordination with the consulate and relatives, and expedited compensation and rehabilitation for the victims.

Security officials have secured the area and are actively investigating to apprehend the perpetrators. Security measures have been heightened to restore confidence among local residents and foreign tourists visiting Narathiwat province.