Narathiwat —
At 10:00 AM on September 23rd, 2024, Maj. Gen. Chalermphon Khamkiaw, the Commander of the Narathiwat Special Task Force, reported the latest on the arson, weapon theft, and bombings at the Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary in Waeng District, Narathiwat.
Initial investigations revealed that three explosive devices caused significant damage to the office buildings, leaving only part of the entrance intact.
Fire damage to document safes and weapon parts was also found, providing forensic evidence to trace the perpetrators. The bombs were made from fire extinguisher tanks, each weighing 15-20 kilograms, and detonated using digital timers.
Local authorities collected crucial evidence, including bomb fragments and fingerprints, and expect more results in the coming days. A security team was deployed to track the assailants, who were believed to have fled into a nearby forest across the border.
The alleged group responsible, led by Mansoh Puteh, is linked to other violent incidents in the Chanae, Waeng, and Sungai Kolok districts, according to Maj. Gen. Chalermphon.
Meanwhile, Mr. Attapol Charoenchansa, the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, visited the scene and ordered an evacuation due to the threat of more explosives in the area. Five buildings, including staff residences, were damaged, and 13 firearms were reportedly stolen.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
