Bangkok: Two Malaysian tourists sustained injuries when a roadside bomb exploded in southern Thailand, impacting their vehicle rather than the intended paramilitary target, as reported by officials.

According to Thai News Agency, the explosion took place in Tak Bai district of Narathiwat province, creating a sizable crater measuring 2 meters deep and 4 meters wide. Bomb disposal experts found remains of a 70-kilogram improvised explosive device (IED) encased in a gas cylinder, which was detonated through radio control. The two Malaysian men traveling in the significantly damaged sedan were promptly rescued and taken to a hospital for treatment.

An initial investigation revealed that an armored pickup truck transporting four Volunteer Defense Corps members was in the vicinity when the incident occurred. As the tourists' car passed the official vehicle, suspected militants triggered the bomb, which was concealed inside a roadside drainage culvert. Authorities have attributed the attack to local insurgent groups.

The Governor of Narathiwat has ensured comprehensive medical care for the victims and is working closely with the Malaysian consulate and the victims' families regarding compensation matters. Security forces have secured the affected area, heightened local security measures to the maximum level, and initiated a manhunt to apprehend those responsible for the attack.