Three Arab Islamic government ministers escaped a bomb attack by less than half an hour on Sunday morning at the Pattani branch of the Yala Islamic College. The bomb, presumably hidden by southern insurgents, exploded at the end of the soi leading to the school in Yarang district, police said.
The three ministers of Islamic affairs had just ended their tour of the school, accompanied by Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya. They are from Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The latter country provides strong support for the Yala Islamic College, which is closely identified with the Wahabbi sect of Sunni Islam prevalent in Saudi Arabia.
Three Border Patrol Policemen guarding the school and the visiting ministers were lightly wounded by the bomb, apparently set off by a timer or cellphone.
The latest attack happened one day after Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont visited the province. He supported the teaching of Islam in state schools for the first time. |