Betong: Devious attack with two bombs
The perpetrators of the Betong (Yala) bombing on Friday placed not one but two bombs in the pickup truck. The first, a small explosive, was intended to attract the curious, after which the second, a heavy bomb that exploded 10 minutes later, was intended to cause death and destruction.
It may therefore be called a miracle that 'only' two people were killed, although the number of injuries of 52 was considerable, not counting the extensive damage to buildings and vehicles.
The two-bomb method has been confirmed by witnesses. They saw that the first explosion only slightly damaged the pickup. Only the headlights came loose, according to a masseuse. According to her, the second explosion followed 10 minutes later.
Placing two bombs is a method that insurgents often use. A second bomb is then detonated using a mobile phone when an investigation is conducted into the first blast. I think I have read that since this is known, in some cases the investigation only takes place a day later.
The relatives of the two fatalities in Betong will receive compensation of 500.000 baht (per victim) and the injured will receive a total amount of 500.000 baht, said the governor of Yala.
It is now also known that 43 buildings and shops, seven cars and 35 motorcycles were damaged, estimated at an amount of 29 million baht.
The president of the Betong Tourism Association says tourism has been affected by the bombing. Tourists steer clear of the popular fruit festival and avoid the planned Hari Raya festival, which marks the end of Ramadan. Many tourists leave their hotel and bookings are cancelled. The association will plan festivities with companies to lure tourists back.
Noppong Thiraworn, president of the Yala Chamber of Commerce, said the bombing was inconvenient as the number of attacks in Betong had fallen significantly in recent years. The House will also try to restore confidence and stimulate the economy.
Betong, which lies on the border with Malaysia, has a lively nightlife; it is a popular destination of Thai and Malaysians. There are a few hotels with 100 rooms, four large discotheques and dozens of nightclubs.
Meanwhile, tourists from Malaysia and Singapore are starting to pour into Songkhla. Many tourists have shifted their destination from Betong to Hat Yai. Authorities expect more bombings as Ramadan draws to a close.
(Source: Bangkok Post, July 28, 2014)
Photos: Discotheque Besong Hollywood.