Five buildings torched in Pattani attack

Published on November 10, 2005 - While the government began a new offensive in its efforts to restore peace in the deep South, violence there continued unabated yesterday resulting in two deaths, one injury and the burning of several government buildings.

Five government offices in the Sai Buri district of Pattani were set ablaze in the early hours of the morning, a day after two bomb blasts in nearby Yala.

The Tambon Tabing administrative office and a government office next door were set ablaze at 5am. Three official residences, including one for teachers at Johkueyae School, were also torched.

Fire fighters took 30 minutes to put out the fires, but the buildings were destroyed. Fortunately, no one was injured.

An initial inquiry found that at least five militants started the fires by placing mosquito coils on benzene-soaked sacks while security guards were attending prayers at a local mosque.

In Pattani’s Nong Chik district, an assistant village headman was shot dead last night while riding home on his motorcycle. Wae-abdulraman Waeji, 40, who worked as a security guard at the Southern View Hotel, was shot by two gunmen who followed him on another motorbike. Police believe Muslim insurgents were behind the arson and shooting attacks, but have been unable to detain any suspects.

In Narathiwat’s Rangae district, the owner of Pornchai Enterprise Company, Chaovalit Songpimai, 41, was shot dead while collecting money from clients. His son, Chakri Songpimai, 15, was critically injured but was able to drive their pickup to a checkpoint three kilometres away to seek help.

Investigators said six gunmen riding three motorcycles approached the truck and opened fire with pistols. Chaovalit was shot in the chest and head and died at the scene, while his son suffered wounds to his stomach, right leg and left hand. Chakri was later admitted to a local hospital.

Police believe robbery was the main motive but have not ruled out the possibility of insurgents being behind the attack.

Senior officials in the three southernmost provinces, including governors and district chiefs, are now being targeted, Narathiwat Governor Pracha Tehrat said yesterday.

His comment came after an attack on the residence of the chief of Bannang Sata district in Yala province on Monday night and Tuesday’s bomb blasts at Yala’s City Hall.