Bomb in Narathiwat kills police officer during murder investigation
A police officer tragically passed away following a bomb explosion at a lamppost in Narathiwat province. The explosion occurred as the police officer was retrieving evidence from a CCTV camera during an investigation into the fatal shooting of a blind elderly woman and her son on May 2.
The explosion took place yesterday, May 4, at 1.30pm in the Chang Phueak subdistrict, Chanae district, as a team from Narathiwat Provincial Police was collecting evidence for a murder case. The Narathiwat bomb injured three officers:
- Police Lance Corporal Phakaphong Suwannachana suffered severe injuries from shrapnel to his face and left wrist.
- Police Senior Sergeant Major Satit Kamhaeng sustained head injuries but remained conscious.
- Police Lance Corporal Theepakorn Chusing was wounded in his right leg and also remained conscious.
At 5pm yesterday, reports confirmed the death of Police Lance Corporal Phakaphong Suwannachana of Narathiwat Provincial Police. He was transferred from Chanae Hospital to Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Before the explosion, Phakaphong had climbed the lamppost to retrieve the memory card from the CCTV camera, as the central CCTV system had malfunctioned, reported KhaoSod.
A series of violent incidents have been brewing in the southern province of Narathiwat since April 18, escalating with a deadly attack on May 2, when unidentified individuals on motorcycles opened fire on a house in Mueang district, killing three people, including a child, and injuring two others.
On the same day, a blind elderly woman was fatally shot while her son was taking her to the hospital, and he sustained injuries.
These were the cases that the injured officers were investigating before the explosion claimed the life of Phakaphong.
The Regional Army Commander condemned these brutal acts, particularly the targeting of defenceless civilians. The ongoing violence since mid-April began with the assassination of religious leaders and attempts to falsely implicate state officials.
Subsequent incidents include attacks on a police station, Buddhist civilians, and monks, along with multiple shootings resulting in numerous casualties in recent nights.
In response to this surge in violence, maximum security measures have been implemented, including the cancellation of officer leave, collaboration with local and religious leaders, and increased monitoring of travel in high-risk zones.
Security forces are focusing on providing protection during evening prayers, a time when attacks have frequently occurred.
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