Two soldiers were injured when a roadside bomb targeting a patrol providing protection for teachers exploded in Narathiwat’s Sungai Kolok district on Friday morning.
There were six soldiers travelling on three motorcycles in the patrol unit. As they passed the entrance of a deserted petrol station on Sungai Kolok-Tak Bai road in tambon Pasemat the bomb detonated, Pol Capt Kittipong Nupeng, a duty officer at Sungai Kolok police station, said. The attack was reported to police about 7.40am on Friday.
Sgt Maj Sanan Benpat, 40, and Sgt Pirayut, 29, travelling on the first motorcyle, sustained shrapnel wounds to the body and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Police and Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers were rushed to the scene to clear it and investigate.
Police said the home-made bomb weighed about 5kg, was planted in some shubbery and detonated remotely as Sgt Pirayut drove past the spot with Sgt Maj Sanan riding pillion. The four soldiers travelling on motorbikes behind behind them were unhurt.
Authorities blamed insurgents.