Police have nabbed four suspects thought to have been involved in a bomb explosion that killed three members of an explosive ordnance disposal team in Narathiwat province on Monday. Pol Maj Gen Pattanawut Angkhanawin said Tuesday an initial investigation found the suspects were near the scene shortly after the blast. All were local residents and were still being questioned. He said, "We will free them immediately if we find they are not guilty."
Pol Col Sathan Wamasing said the Runda Kumpulan Kecil group, led by Marommueree Kajaekasor, is believed to be partially responsible for the bomb squad deaths. The group is active in Bacho district. A suspect identified as Abdulloh Ulae, who is believed to have made the bomb, is being sought by police. Mr Abdulloh had been the subject of four arrest warrants in connection with violence in the far South.
On Monday morning, deputy squad leader Pol Sub Lt Chaen Warongpaisith and squad members Pol Sub Lt Jaroon Mekruang and Pol Sgt Nimit Deewong were killed in the blast while examining a decoy device. The bomb squad had rushed to the scene following a report about a bomb planted next to Phetkasem road. After confirming the presence of a bomb, another device inside a gas cylinder buried nearby exploded, killing the three officers.