NARATHIWAT, June 29 — Two Malaysian men were injured in a bombing incident that targeted a vehicle belonging to a volunteer security team in Tak Bai district, Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, today.
Narathiwat province police chief Police Major General Prayong Khoksakha said he received a report on the incident, which also involved a Malaysian-registered vehicle at 11.40am local time.
The initial investigation found that the improvised explosive device weighing about 70kg was detonated using a mobile phone. The main target of the attack was a vehicle from the Sungai Golok volunteer team that was travelling along the right side of the road.
"However, a car with two Malaysians inside overtook the volunteer team vehicle just before the bomb exploded, causing their vehicle to be struck by the blast," he told the media.
Prayong added that two victims, aged 38 and 45, were on their way from Tak Bai to Narathiwat town at the time of the incident.
It occurred near a T-junction in Kampung Sepom, Tak Bai district. The victim’s vehicle sustained major damage.
"Both victims were sent to the Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Hospital for treatment. One of them, aged 45, reportedly sustained grave injuries," he said.
Meanwhile, the Consul General of Malaysia in Songkhla Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi said he had been informed of the incident involving the two Malaysians.
"We are trying to get in touch with both victims who are currently receiving treatment at the Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Hospital," he said when contacted by Bernama.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) confirmed that based on initial reports, there has been no fatal accident involving Malaysian citizens as a result of the incident.
“Initial reports indicate a Malaysian-registered vehicle was also affected in the blast.
“The Consulate General is actively engaging the local authorities to gather further verified information and to provide the appropriate consular assistance to the affected parties,” it said in a statement.
Wisma Putra urged Malaysian citizens residing in or travelling to the provinces of southern Thailand to remain vigilant, prioritise personal safety, and comply fully with all security instructions issued by local authorities.
They are also urged to register with the consulate general and keep their contact information up to date via the e-Konsular portal to facilitate communication and expedite consular assistance.
Those requiring immediate consular assistance or who are in an emergency may contact the Malaysian Consulate General in Songkhla by calling or sending a WhatsApp message at + (6674) 316 274/ + (6681) 990 1930 / + (6674) 324 004 / + (6674) 312 353 or e-mailing mwsongkhla@kln.gov.my.
Wisma Putra said it would closely monitor the situation and furnish further details from time to time, as the situation evolves and after the facts have been officially verified.
