A bomb blast wounded three border patrol policemen while three insurgents were arrested in a separate incident in Yala province yesterday.
The three officers were identified as Pol Sub Lt Kan Polyiam, Pol Lt Sophon Yanhan and Pol Snr Sgt Maj Amorn Kraimes. All are attached to the Border Patrol Police Company 442.
Muang Yala station was alerted to the explosion yesterday in tambon Ta Se, Muang district. Police, explosive ordnance disposal and forensics teams were sent to the scene. By the time they arrived, the officers had already been taken to Yala Hospital.
The explosion left a crater about 1m in diameter and about 70cm deep.
Police said the bomb, weighing around 10-15kg and packed in a gas cylinder, was detonated remotely while the officers were patrolling on two motorcycles.
Meanwhile, three men suspected of being members of the Runda Kumpulan Kecil insurgent group were apprehended in Yala's Bannang Sata district yesterday.
Police named the suspects as Matohae Silae, Saudi Dinguseng and Mahama Hamidong. They were arrested following the issue of several warrants. Two had been issued for Mr Matohae, six for Mr Saudi and another for Mr Mahama.
Military personnel and Rangers Special Task Force Unit 43 cordoned off Ban Tano Pute after receiving intelligence the suspects were lying low in the village.
Mr Matohae and Mr Mahama were captured in a separate house while Mr Saudi tried to escape by climbing on to the roof.
Authorities worked with a local religious leader to negotiate with Mr Saudi. It took around two hours for Mr Saudi to give himself up.