A massive hunt has been launched for four men who were allegedly involved in the double blasts at a Big C department store in Pattani province on Tuesday after security camera footage caught them in the act. Meanwhile, the number of people reported injured rose to 80, including children.
A spokesman of the regional Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), said the footage showed two men park the pickup carrying explosives at the entrance of the Big C store and two others riding a motorcycle waiting for them at the front of the store.
Authorities have identified all four after checking security files on previous attacks.
Investigators said evidence showed the bombers had mixed 100 kilograms of ammonia nitrate with petrol and then packed the mixture in two gas cylinders that were hidden in the stolen pickup. They said preliminary evidence led them to believe that the attacks were the work of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional movement, or BRN, and could be linked to a bomb attack on a market in Pattani’s Muang Pattani municipality on October 24. One person was killed and 20 others injured in that attack.
The attack has been widely condemned as the store was packed with women and children. The attackers are clearly shown on CCTV and arrests are expected soon.
Security staff were praised for their decision to evacuate the store following the first blast which undoubtedly saved lives and reduced the number of injured.
The attackers had stolen the pickup of a Thai Buddhist who worked in a legitimate job, turned it into a car bomb and attacked a store where a large crowd of Thai Muslims were shopping.
Police are still trying to locate the owner of the truck.
Authorities believed the attackers intended “mass killing” since the car bomb was parked at the only entrance to the store and the initial explosion seemed intended to drive shoppers towards the exit. The first explosion was triggered by big firecrackers inside the store, sparking a panic that forced people towards the second bomb.
People have been warned to be vigilant and to try to avoid crowded places.
Meanwhile, counselors have been sent to help those injured in the blasts to check for post-traumatic stress disorders.
This is another cowardly attack which could serve no purpose other than to kill and maim innocent people. Let’s hope perpetrators are caught quickly and brought to justice.
(Source:The Nation, Thailand)