44 car bombs in 11 years in the Deep South
The broad daylight car bomb explosion in Narathiwat’s Muang municipality on February 20 which left 13 civilians injured and over 40 shophouses as well as several vehicles damaged was the first of its kind in the restive Deep South this year. And it was the 44th for the past 11 years.
The latest incident took place in the commercial area in the Muang municipality. The apparent target was a karaoke restaurant on Na Nakhon road. Security officials however said that Na Nakhon road was not the most important commercial areas in the province and the explosion was meant to send a message to the people in the region that the perpetrators were capable of carrying out violent incidents in the hearts of any townships despite escalated security precautionary measures.
The car bomb explosion took place in the middle of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. The pickup truck which was used to make the car bomb was stolen from its owner in Thepa district of Songkhla last year after he was killed. The same truck was also used by suspected militants in the bomb attack of Tambon Makrood municipality in Pattani on September 11 last year.
A motorcycle bomb was also placed on Na Nakhon road about 50 metres from a Chinese shrine but it was discovered and defused by bomb demolition squad before it went off. Police said that the motorcycle was stolen from Narathiwat on January 5.
Narathiwat governor Natthapong Sirichana on February 21 led his officials to receive complaints from victims of the car bomb explosion. Temporary shelter was also provided by the municipality for the victims.
The governor said he would discuss with the private sector in the province to work out tightened security measures to prevent the repeat of bomb attacks.
Meanwhile, the Mixed Culture Foundation and the Duay Jai group issued a statement condemning the car bomb explosion and accusing the perpetrators of committing a crime against humanity.
The owner of the karaoke restaurant which was damaged beyond repairs he would give up the business and would turn to selling noodles somewhere out of town. He said all his employees had been told to go home or to find new jobs elsewhere.
As far as car bombs are concerned, statistics compiled by Isra news agency for the past 11 years show there were altogether 44 cases. They were broken down as follows: 22 cases in Narathiwat; 12 in Yala, seven in Pattani and three in Songkhla.