Nine Injured In Pattani Blast

By Jamaluddin Muhammad BANGKOK, Nov 21 (Bernama) – Nine people – three policemen, three monks and three civilians - were injured in a bomb attack in Mueng district, Pattani, on Monday, police said. Mueng Police chief Pol Col Somporn Meesuk said a three-kg bomb hidden in a flower pot in front of a laundry shop exploded this morning, injuring all of them. The three policemen were escorting the three monks who were collecting alms in the area when the incident occurred, he said. The policemen, identified as Tanom Konwai, 29, Prakarn Jedipaeng, 29, and Kampanart Malwon, 37, were all sergeants. The identities of the injured monks have yet to be established. The three civilians were laundry shop owner, Yeun Sukonkhate, 72, Chart Sukubon, 70, and his wife Chid Sukubon, 73. Police believe militants were responsible for the bomb attack, he said. More than 4,000 people have died since suspected separatists resumed their armed campaign to seek independence for the three southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala seven years ago. -- BERNAMA Malaysia