2 bombs greet PM

Two bombs exploded in the heart of Pattani province, injuring four people, as Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont travelled to the restive region.

The first bomb was hidden in a roadside garbage bin on Naklua Street in Muang district. It exploded at around 10am, but no one was injured. Fifteen minutes later, as officials were investigating the scene, another bomb went off injuring four villagers.

Police said the second bomb had also been placed in a garbage bin next to a phone booth and a roadside teashop. The impact destroyed a car and a pickup truck. The bomb was detonated by a mobile phone, investigating officials said.

Police said the first bomb had been a decoy to lure officials into the area.

Separately in Yala's Muang district, more than 50 women and children gathered at Lamai sub-district police station demanding officials release one of eight suspects detained earlier.

The protesters claimed that Mahuseng Samoh, 30, was mentally sick and could not possibly be involved in the insurgency.

Some 50 police raided Ban Taloh yesterday morning and detained eight men, including Mahuseng, as they found 13 kilos of spiked nails and two radio transmitters in the house the group was staying.

The demonstration ended after three hours when authorities agreed to release Mahuseng. The other seven remained in detention for interrogation.

Also in the same district of Yala, janitor Lob Kaewmanee, 67, was injured in a gun attack while cycling along a road. He was shot in the back and arm - and later taken to a local hospital.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont flew south yesterday and will today meet local officials and religious and community leaders in a hotel in Pattani.

The Nation Thailand
Saturday January 27, 2007