Two Malaysians Injured In Narathiwat Blast Return To Malaysia

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, June 30 (Bernama) -- Two Malaysians injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion in Thailand’s Narathiwat province on Monday have returned to Malaysia, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry, commonly known as Wisma Putra, said both victims were discharged from Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Hospital with the assistance of the local authorities in Narathiwat before being escorted to the Sungai Golok-Rantau Panjang border crossing.

To facilitate their return to Malaysia, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla coordinated with the relevant authorities in Rantau Panjang to facilitate immigration clearance at the Malaysia-Thailand border.

"Upon completion of the clearance process, both victims were transported by ambulance to a hospital in Kelantan for further medical treatment," the ministry said.

Wisma Putra also expressed its appreciation to the Thai government and the local authorities in Narathiwat for their assistance and cooperation in ensuring the safety and welfare of the Malaysians involved.

On Monday, the two Malaysians were travelling in a sport utility vehicle (SUV) when an IED concealed in a roadside culvert exploded near Sapom intersection in Tak Bai district at about 11.40 am local time.

Thai authorities said the Malaysians were not the intended target of the attack, which is believed to have been carried out by suspected insurgents.

Thai security forces launched an investigation after explosive ordnance disposal and forensic officers examined the blast site.

Wisma Putra said it would continue to monitor developments through the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla.

It also advised Malaysians residing in or travelling through Thailand's southern provinces to remain vigilant, prioritise their personal safety and strictly comply with all safety and security instructions issued by the local authorities.

-- BERNAMA