Thailand Steps Up Border Security After Discovery Of Fertiliser Used In Bomb-Making

By Muhammad Afiq Mohd Asri

YALA, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Thai security forces have tightened security along the Malaysia-Thailand border as a precaution following the discovery of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), made with urea fertiliser, commonly used by criminal groups to make bombs, in the country’s southern region.

Commander of the 4th Army Region, Lt Gen Naratip Poynok, said the explosives were believed to have been produced using urea fertiliser packed with iron, nails, glass and stones to amplify their lethality, with security personnel singled out as primary targets.

He said information regarding the IEDs was obtained following the arrest of a male suspect about two months ago. 

"The suspect admitted to acquiring the fertiliser before converting it into “urea nitrate”, the main component used in bomb-making.

“Based on investigations, the suspect admitted to obtaining supplies of urea fertiliser to make homemade explosives. We believe the material was intended for use in several planned attacks,” he told Malaysian media through a local interpreter during a special interview session at Fort Sirindhorn recently.

Fort Sirindhorn, located in the Yaranng district of Pattani province in southern Thailand, is a military installation, specifically the home of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4. 

Naratip, who also serves as Director of ISOC Region 4 (South), said the suspect was believed to have produced the explosives in hilly, rural and forested areas before planting them on the outskirts of towns.

He said investigations are still ongoing, including forensic analysis of the seized materials to verify their composition and source of supply.

-- BERNAMA