Governor: Arsonists targeting economy
The arson at a Honda showroom in Pattani's Nong Chik district overnight was probably intended to erode public confidence in the economy in the troubled South, Pattani governor Theera Mintrasak said on Wednesday.
- Published: 22/08/2012 at 03:35 PM
- Newspaper section: news
Fifteen brand new cars in the showroom were completely destroyed, and two motorcycles, with the damage estimated at 20 million baht.
The governor said security measures would be stepped up following the attack.
Anusas Suwannamongkol, managing director of Pattani Honda Cars Co and owner of CS Pattani Hotel, said he did not think he was the target of terrorism, but admitted that the situation had become more violent.
A car bomb exploded in front of CS Pattani Hotel early this month - one of the violent incidents during Ramadan.
Mr Anusas said he would like the prime minister to step up efforts to solve the insurgency problem and provide better safety for people's lives.
Pol Maj-Gen Pichet Pitisethaphan, the Pattani police chief, termed the attack on the Honda showroom arson an act of terrorism.
He said a mobile telephone signal tower was set on fire before the arsonists struck, probably to draw police attention to the fire before they attacked the Honda dealership.
Forensic and bomb disposal police were drawn to the scene of the first fire, but found only the lid from a petrol can.
Police were examining pictures from the security cameras at the showroom, Pol Maj-Gen Pichet said.
About the author
- Writer: Online Reporters
- Position: Online Reporters