Bomb blasts and gunshots terrifies Pengkalan Kubor's residents

TUMPAT – The sound of explosion and continuous gunshots in Tak Bai, Thailand seems like a ‘battlefield’ to the residents in Pengkalan Kubor here.

Describing the incident as horrendous, one of the residents, Rozali Abdul Rahim, 57, said the explosion was clearly heard even though his house was located some 500 metres away from Sungai Golok, Kelantan.

“The incident took place at around 9.45pm when I was enjoying dinner. That explosion scared me and without delay, I rushed to the banks of Sungai Golok where many had gathered to find out what was happening.

"We were then asked to disperse by the police for our safety,”he told reporters on Thursday.

Rozali said voices of people shouting for help could be clearly heard from Tak Bai.

However, the residents around Pengkalan Kubor were only able to pray for the situation in that area.

Sinar Harian was informed that the bomb blasts and gunshots sound lasted over three hours, which made the residents in Pengkalan Kubor worried for their safety due to the close proximity.

Meanwhile, Che Su Ariffin, 50, of Kampung Derdap, Simpangan located about 10km away from Tak Bai said the explosion shook his house, which woke him and his families.

“My family and I were shocked by the sound of the explosion and gunfires, it sounds like a war is going on

“When I asked the neighbours, they confirmed the incident took place at Tak Bai and not here (Malaysia). We took a deep breath of relief but prayed that it would stop immediately, ”he said.

He said, this is not the first time such incidents occur but the incident seems more terrible compared to what happened in 2004 which involved only shootings.

Meanwhile, Sinar Harian reporter who was on the ground in Pengkalan Kubor also heard the sound explosion from Tak Bai town at about 11.50am.

Members of the Thai security forces were also seen patrolling the area of the bay of the country at Sungai Golok.

Following the explosion and gunshots that ensued, Bernama reported three marine police volunteers were injured in the incident.

Narathiwat Police Chief Major General Waesame Salae said the incident occurred at approximately 9pm (local time) at a marine control post located near Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, Kelantan.

A group of ten men believed to be militant members had fired several shots and threw pipe bombs into the river in the incident which lasted for about 30 minutes.

“Several vehicles were destroyed by the explosion. Besides, the building located nearby (control post) was also damaged, ”he told reporters after making an inspection at the scene.

He also said that a bomb explosion was also reported near a convenience store, which damaged several electric poles.

"However, no injuries were reported. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the blast and the shot,” he said.