NARATHIWAT — Two Malaysian tourists were injured after a bomb hidden in a road culvert exploded in Tak Bai district of the southern border province of Narathiwat on Monday, authorities said.
The explosion occurred at about 11:41 near the Sapom three-way intersection on the inbound road to Tak Bai district in Ban Phrai Wan, Phrai Wan subdistrict.
According to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command, unidentified attackers planted the bomb inside a road culvert before it detonated.
The two injured tourists received emergency assistance and were taken to hospital. Authorities did not immediately disclose the extent of their injuries.
Security forces secured the area, managed traffic and deployed explosive ordnance disposal and forensic officers to examine the blast site and gather evidence. Authorities are investigating the attack and working to identify those responsible.
The bombing affected public safety and property, while also dealing a blow to confidence in tourism and the local economy in the area.
ISOC Region 4 Forward Command urged residents to report suspicious activity or unfamiliar individuals through its 1341 hotline or local security units as the investigation continues.
