Arrest warrant issued against suspected bomber in Thai South

BANGKOK, August 16 (TNA) - A Thai military court has issued an arrest warrant against a suspect in connection with a recent bomb explosion in resort Phuket Province in the Thai South. Tuesday's arrest warrant was the second one, following the arrest and detention of the first suspect in connection with an arson at Tesco Lotus retail store in Nakhon Si Thammarat, also in the Thai South, on August 14. The incidents were part of a series of bomb blasts and arson attacks in the southern Thai region during August 11-14, in which a total of four people were killed and dozens others were injured. Deputy National Police Chief Police General Srivara Rangsibrahmanakul, in his capacity as the head of investigating teams in the bombing and arson attacks in the Thai South, told journalists that official probes on the incidents have been much progress, while local police have been gathering evidence for additional arrest warrants against more suspects. Meanwhile, Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkura said that apart from implementing measures to assist affected areas and victims, she has ordered all concerned agencies to also lay out preventive measures against future untoward incidents. Kobkarn revealed that the measures include encouraging local people to join a training under the Ta Sapparod safety network, aimed to empower the locals, especially those in areas at risk, to become more vigilant. According to the minister, the first batch of 100 trainees, including hotels' receptionists and bellboys, as well as security guards, drivers and tour guides, will join the measure, implemented under the collaboration between the Tourism Department and the Tourist Police Division, starting from next month. (TNA)