Fourth Buddhist Yala rubber tapper injured in a week

PHOTOS: The Nation

Police in Yala are reporting that another Yala rubber tapper has been killed by suspected Muslim militants in the southern border province. The incident happened this morning (Wednesday). The victim becomes the fourth Buddhist rubber tapper in a week to be attacked by suspected Malay-Muslim insurgents.

Police said 46 year old Sukho Khamkaew was injured when a homemade bomb was triggered by a detonator planted on the edge of his rubber plantation in Moo 6 village in Tambon Tanoh Puteh in Yala’s Bannang Sata district at 6:30am.His right hand was injured.

Police said the bomb exploded once he stepped into the plantation. Yala police chief Pol Maj Gen Krissada Kaewchandee said insurgents definitely targeted Thai Buddhists as the four explosions happened inside rubber plantations owned by Buddhists within a week.

On Monday, 60 year old Suthin Haewkhunthod was injured when he stepped on a landmine inside his plantation in Ban Kuyae, Tambon Sa-ae, in Yala’s Krong Penang district.Wiphawan Plodkaenthoing, 34, was injured on June 28 when she stepped on a landmine at a plantation in Yaha district. 48 year old Chutipong Naming was injured by a landmine on Saturday at his plantation in Moo 5, Tambon Lamphraya, Muang district.

SOURCE: The Nation