A powerful roadside bomb in Pattani killed three officials, including a district chief and a high-ranking security officer yesterday.

Mai Kaen district head Chayaphat Raksoyos, Colonel Surasak Phosutha from the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), and Ahama Laharn, a Mai Kaen defence volunteer, were travelling in the same pick-up truck when a 15-kilogramme bomb exploded on the roadside, killing them instantly.

Three other officials suffered injuries in the blast.

Police said the bomb was set off by an electrical wire that extended into a wooded area off the paved road.

The officials were returning from Tambon Lohsaithong, where insurgents had set fire to an elementary school the night before.

Niphan Chantrasute, the district clerk overseeing security matters, described Chayaphat's death as a great loss as he was admired for his efforts in working with the local community.

He said Chayaphat had repeatedly warned his staff not to be complacent with security measures.

Mai Kaen was in the news last week when three officials from the district - two kamnans and the Tambon Administrative Organisation chief - were attacked in Tambon Taluboh by gunmen using automatic rifles.

In Yala's Bannang Sata district, a combined force of soldiers and police raided Tambon Klern Banglang and Tambon Bannang Sata, seizing 18 "powergel" sticks. They detained 17 people for questioning.

In Yaha district, a couple was attacked by gunfire leading to a fatality. Marohsalee Loniji, 36, was killed at the scene, while his wife, Yuwahe, also 36, survived but is reportedly in serious condition. Both were travelling vendors.

On Monday evening, Mahyeng Cheteh, 56, was shot dead by gunmen using AK47s as he returned home from evening prayer at a mosque in Tambon Kawa in Narathiwat's Sungai Padi district.

In Narathiwat's Rangae district, gunmen opened fire on two local officials yesterday morning, killing a defence volunteer and wounding a member of the Provincial Administration Organisation. The two were travelling by car to the municipality office.

Sadee Salae, 41, survived the attack but Nutthanan Kayaedalae, 29, died of his wounds.

In Bangkok, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said the government will continue its policy of reconciliation aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the southern population.

But in spite of numerous goodwill gestures, violence continues unabated, pitting Muslims against Buddhists in the restive region.

The Nation

Pattani