Incidents of violence hit three Southern Thailand train stations

PATTANI - Three incidents of violence at train stations occurred simultaneously on Friday night in three Southern provinces of Thailand.

In Yala, the railway track in the town was damaged after two men threw a pipe bomb and targeted the train control policemen who were on duty in the incident at about 8pm (local time).

Acting Head of Yala Railway Station Thada Boorueang said CCTV footage showed that two men on a motorcycle had thrown a pipe bomb.

"The police managed to escape without any injuries after realising that a pipe bomb had been thrown.

"The railway track has suffered some damage. The technical team will make an inspection and evaluation. Repair work will start as soon as possible," he said.

In Pattani, incidents of indiscriminate firing were reported at Wat Chang Hai Railway Station and Pattani Railway Station - both in Khok Pho district.

In the incident at about 8.20pm, Pattani Regional Police Chief Pol. Maj. Gen. Archan Chansiri said a group of gunmen fired indiscriminately at two railway stations.

However, there were no civilians at the scene except the police and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) officials.

"Police found 13 M16 bullet casings at the scene," he said.

In Narathiwat, an exchange of fire occurred between the railway control police and a group of armed men at Chok Irong Railway Station.

In an incident at about 8.30pm (local time), Narathiwat Police Chief Maj. Gene. Pol. Anurut Im-arb said at least 10 armed men had surrounded the Chok Irong Railway Station and opened fire.

"The exchange of fire between the train control police and the group of armed men lasted for about 10 minutes.

"No injuries were reported. The attack is believed to (be a ploy to) create panic among the local population," he said.- BERNAMA