Insurgents fire shots at train in Narathiwat

Soldiers inspect a Sungai Kolok-Yala passenger train after an unknown number of men fire shots at the train in Rueso district, Narathiwat, on Friday evening. No passengers were hurt, but the train was slightly damaged. (Photo by Waedao Harai)

NARATHIWAT: An unknown number of men fired shots at a Yala-bound passenger train in an ambush in Rueso district on Friday evening. The attack slightly damaged the train but caused no injuries.

The No.454 passenger train with seven bogies, from Sungak Kolok station to Yala station, was attacked at kilometre maker 1065 between Rueso railway station and Balo station in Raman district of Yala at around 7.05pm on Friday.

Armed men hiding in a forest area along the route opened fire at the train, which was crossing Rueso River. Train driver Panarak Jaikrachang saw the armed men open fire and managed to steer the train to Balo station.

Police and soldiers went to the railway station to inspect the damage to the train and found seven gunshots near a window and a wheel of the second bogie. No passengers were hurt.

Rueso railway station chief Narong Klamongkhol filed a complaint with police. The investigators believe the attack was the work of southern insurgents wanting to create unrest in the area.