Thai security officials have blamed the freight train derailment in Sadao district of the southern province of Songkhla on a bomb detonated by southern insurgents, to disrupt the direct train service between Hat Yai and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

After the derailment of the freight train No. 707, from Hat Yai district to Padang Besar station in Sadao district, railway and security officials inspected the track and found a large crater, about two metres wide and three metres long, under the track. Several freight cars and sections of track were shattered by the force of the explosion.

Officials from the explosive ordnance disposal unit combed the area for additional devices and collected bomb debris for examination.

An official of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) said that the train was loaded with para rubber destined for Malaysia.

The only people on board the train at the time of the derailment were two drivers, a mechanic and one brake operator, none of whom were injured.

The SRT has suspended the Hat Yai-Padang Besar service until repairs of the tracks are completed.

Source: Thai Public Broadcasting Service