Patong car bomb puts three in hospital

PATONG: A gold shop owner, his wife and an employee were hurt yesterday afternoon when a home-made car bomb exploded after they got into their vehicle. The bomb exploded after Somkiet Sopark, 32, his wife Hongsuda, 43, and employee Sirinapa Kaopho-ngam got into the car outside the Soparks’ gold shop and residence at 18 Sirirat Road, Patong. The bomb, which police say was planted under the passenger seat, went off when Khun Hongsuda sat in the seat. It blew out the roof and windows of the Toyota Hilux, leaving Khun Sirinapa with serious facial burns, and injuring both the Soparks. All are in stable condition and are understood not to be in danger. Police say they believe the bombing was linked to an emotional entanglement rather than business causes. Police are continuing their investigation.