Pattani blast kills 2 soldiers

Two soldiers were killed and two others wounded in a bomb attack in Pattani's Yarang district yesterday as they headed out to provide protection for teachers and to deliver presents for children in advance of National Children's Day today.

The victims were identified as Sergeants Sahathep Pithaisong and Anurak Sunthornpak of the Pattani Special Forces. Both were killed instantly.

The initial police investigation revealed that insurgents had placed explosives in a concrete water pipe under a road near the entrance to Ban Baka and then hid in a rubber plantation nearby. They triggered the explosives as the military pickup in which soldiers were travelling passed the spot. The explosion destroyed the pickup.

The soldiers had already delivered presents at Ban Prachan School and were on their way to provide security protection and more gifts at Ban Buenae Pinae School, which was holding activities for Children's Day. The explosion took place about a kilometre from the school.