Two Malaysians injured after IED blast near SUV in Thailand’s Tak Bai, one seriously hurt

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — Two Malaysians were injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted beneath a roadside culvert exploded near their vehicle in Thailand’s Tak Bai district this afternoon, with one of the victims suffering serious injuries.

According to Berita Harian, the blast occurred at about 12.41pm Malaysian time on Highway 42 in Kampung Phrai Wan, about 100 metres from the Sapom three-way junction in Narathiwat province.

The victims were identified as 45-year-old Abdullah Syarapi Abd Rahman from Kelantan and 38-year-old Muhammad Yusri Udin from Sabah.

According to Berita Harian, Abdullah suffered shrapnel wounds to his forehead, serious injuries to his left leg and head injuries believed to have been caused by shattered glass, while Muhammad Yusri sustained minor injuries.

Both were taken to Narathiwat Hospital for treatment.

The Malaysian-registered Proton X50 they were travelling in was also damaged in the explosion.

Narathiwat police chief Maj Gen Prayong Kotsakha said security personnel from three agencies had cordoned off the area and closed a one-kilometre stretch of road between the Sapom junction and a nearby U-turn near a sand quarry.

Bomb disposal (EOD) personnel and forensic officers were also deployed to examine the scene, he said.

Meanwhile, Harian Metro reported that Sungai Golok and Tak Bai MP Amin Mat Yusof earlier confirmed the incident, saying the explosion occurred as the victims’ vehicle was travelling through the area.

“Both victims suffered injuries and have been sent to Narathiwat Hospital for further treatment.

“The victims’ vehicle was also damaged in the bomb blast. Their condition is stable,” he said.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said police had received information that Malaysians travelling in a Malaysian-registered vehicle were injured in the explosion.

“We are obtaining further information regarding the incident,” he said.