80kg bomb found in southern Thailand

Thai authorities discovered and defused an 80-kg bomb early this morning in the south of the country.

Bomb disposal personnel at the scene of an explosion in Hua Hin district. Photo: Reuters

Colonel Sithisak Jenbanchong, commander of the 41st Ranger Regiment, a joint police and military unit, began the search at around 1:30 a.m. this morning after receiving information from Abdulateh Riang, a bomb maker from the Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK) rebel group. He was arrested on August 5 with two homemade bombs, according to the Bangkok Post.

Abdulateh revealed that several homemade bombs were hidden in a bush near Lueso village in Narathiwat province. Searching with mine detectors, government forces discovered an 80kg bomb made from a gas cylinder buried in the ground.

Local authorities also arrested Abdulrohman Abuwa, 34, from a house in the village for questioning on the same day. Abdulateh accused Abdulrohman of possessing five RKK guns. The weapons were used for the uprising.

Thailand is on high alert after 13 bomb blasts killed four people and injured 35 in five southern provinces more than a week ago. The incidents occurred as the country celebrated the queen's birthday.

According to VNE