3 tappers shot dead on way to plantation
Three rubber tappers were shot dead and another injured in a drive-by shooting yesterday as violence in the Muslim-majority deep South expanded into areas of Songkhla.
The attack occurred early yesterday morning as four villagers travelled to work at a rubber plantation in Saba Yoi district. At least four gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on them before speeding away. Nom Chandam and wife Sudjai died on the way to hospital, as did Wannee Promsuk. Her husband, Niwas, remains in a serious condition in intensive care at Khok Pho Hospital. Police suspect Muslim insurgents were behind the attack. Later, in Rangae district of Narathiwat, a roadside bomb exploded as eight soldiers guarding teachers arrived to set up a checkpoint. Sgt Major Samroeng Chanyuak suffered minor injuries. Separately, a roadside bomb exploded in Tak Bai district of the same province. There were no casualties. Meanwhile in Pattani, a group of 50 veiled Muslim women gathered in front of a police station in Nong Chik district to demand the release of Mayadee Samah, a suspected Muslim insurgent arrested earlier yesterday. They sought permission for him to attend the funeral of a relative. Police released Mayadee on condition he reported back within three days. Police asked the village headman and religious leaders to guarantee his return. According to Muslim practice, corpses must be buried within 24 hours. The latest violence comes after the visit of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont this past weekend. In spite of government pledges of reconciliation and peace, daily bombings, shootings and arsons continue. The Nation SONGKHLA
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