Five policemen escaped unharmed after a bomb exploded while they escorted teachers to work in Kapho district of Pattani province yesterday morning.
Pol Lt Waipote Khunthiang said the five policemen were travelling in two armoured pickup trucks when the bomb exploded about 7.50am on Sai Buri-Raman Road in tambon Talo Duraman.
The explosion happened after the first pickup drove past.
The bomb hit the second truck on its left side, damaging three tyres, but its driver continued out of the danger zone to a nearby village before calling for backup.
The teacher-escort unit was led by Pol Maj Supoj Sukanchanasornrong.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit discovered the bomb had been hidden in a fertiliser bag. The team also found the remains of a 25-30kg gas cylinder used to contain explosive materials, and shrapnel scattered in the area.
The bomb's impact produced a crater 50cm wide and 10cm deep.
According to a security officer, the attackers hid the bomb in a fertiliser bag instead of burying it because security officers had increased the frequency of patrols on local roads to prevent militants from having enough time to dig holes.
The bomb was believed to have been detonated by suspected militants hidden in a roadside bush.
In Pattani's Thung Yang Daeng district, a joint police-military force searched the house of Isama-ae Doloh, 54, an informant for security officers.
Isama-ae was shot on Wednesday evening while standing in front of his house. He was taken to hospital, but pronounced dead shortly after he arrived.
Officers found a number of M16 rifles and 11mm shells scattered around the house.
Witnesses claim they saw four assailants on two motorcycles arriving at Isama-ae's house and spraying bullets at him. After the attack they fled.