Kuala lumpur: Two Malaysian men injured in a bomb blast in the Tak Bai district of Narathiwat, southern Thailand, this morning had entered the kingdom legally. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat confirmed the identities of the victims, stating that one is from Kelantan and the other from Sabah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Kelantan police have been in communication with the Thai authorities regarding the incident. Datuk Mohd Yusoff mentioned that the families of the victims are likely already informed and assured that the Kelantan police will extend necessary assistance. However, further details are awaited from the ongoing investigations by the Thai police.

Mohd Yusoff urged Malaysians, particularly those from Kelantan, to refrain from traveling to southern Thailand unless absolutely necessary. He highlighted the proximity of the incident to the Malaysian border, noting that while previous incidents occurred more than 80 kilometers away, this took place just 15 kilometers from the border.

The bomb blast occurred at 11:40 am as the men, aged 38 and 45, were traveling from Tak Bai to Narathiwat town. Their vehicle was hit by an explosive device targeting a security volunteer team vehicle, resulting in injuries to both men.

Narathiwat police chief Major General Prayong Khoksakha revealed initial investigations pointed to a 70 kg improvised explosive device (IED) detonated via a mobile phone. The primary target appeared to be a vehicle from the Sungai Golok volunteer force, which the Malaysians' car had just overtaken before the explosion.

The injured men were promptly transported to Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Hospital for medical attention, with one of them sustaining serious injuries.