PATTANI: Four soldiers received minor injuries after an improvised explosive device detonated and overturned their Humvee while they were providing security for teachers and students on the first day of the new school term in Mayo district yesterday, police said.
Pol Maj Kris Chuandee, duty officer at Mayo police station, said the attack occurred about 1pm on a road in Moo 1 village of tambon Thanon in Mayo district.
The explosion caused the Humvee to overturn, slightly injuring Warrant Officer Tewarit Cheentangmuang, Sgt Nathapol Thuksuk, Pvt Panithan Pala and Pvt Ekachai Rango, attached to Special Task Force Pattani 25.
They were admitted to Mayo Hospital.
Soldiers providing protection for teachers have long been a target of attacks by southern insurgents.
The explosives were packed into a 50kg cooking gas cylinder believed to have been detonated by a radio signal while soldiers were travelling down the road in the vehicle, police said.
Authorities sealed off the area following the explosion to see if any booby traps had been laid, police said.
Police believe insurgents were responsible for the blast.
Insurgents were taking advantage of the first day of the new school term to stir up unrest in the province, police said.