Warrants have been issued by the Na Thavee Provincial Court in Songkhla Province for the arrest of two men suspected of involvement in the bombing of the Hat Yai-Padang Besar freight train on December 6th, an attack in which three railway employees were killed and four others wounded.
The two suspects were identified by police as Atman Porlor, 27, a resident of Lamphlai sub-district in Thepha district, and 33-year-old Chirasak Penglor, a resident of Ban Na sub-district, Chana district.
Nine charges have been filed against them, which include murder and attempted murder, criminal association, terrorism, causing damage to a railway in a way which endangers train services and people and the possession and use of an explosive device.
Police claim that they have enough evidence to charge the two men, Atman in particular, who was claimed by witnesses to have been spotted inspecting the railway in Ban Tha Pho in Sadao district.
Security officials claim that the bombing was intended to undermine the economy of Thailand’s Deep South.
Railway officials in Hat Yai said they expect to complete repair of the damaged rail track and removal of all the remaining freight cars from the scene by December 25th.
About six freight cars are still at the scene and one is on the damaged track.
