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BKK POST: Bombing linked to logg



February 18, 1998


                                     


              Bombing linked to
              logging 

              Chiang Mai

              Abomb went off early yesterday morning in Muang district near
              the home of a provincial councillor for Mae Sariang.

              Police speculated that the attack might have been perpetrated by
              elements wanting to incite chaos.

              But the provincial councillor said he believed that the crime might
              have been motivated by the Salween forest illegal logging scam.

              The explosion took place at about 3 a.m. yesterday on Kaew
              Nauwarat Road, about 500 metres from the entrance to a house
              owned by the Mae Hong Son councillor for Mae Sariang
              district, Surapong Chuwattanakul.

              The bomb blast caused a one-foot-deep hole on the road and
              slight damage to two nearby commercial buildings. There were
              no casualties.

              After inspecting the scene, police found the safety valve of an
              explosive believed to be an M-26 grenade.

              Mr Surapong told the Bangkok Post that the attack might have
              been motivated by illegal logging in the Salween national park
              because he had some information on the issue.

              He said: "I know I must watch out for danger at this time. The
              Salween forest deal may not come to an end easily. Untoward
              incidents may follow. Almost everyone in Mae Sariang knows
              this group of loggers are influential. Some forestry officials and
              Mae Sariang police were shot dead. No one dares stand in their
              way."

              Police were not certain that the bomb blast was aimed at Mr
              Surapong.




                                     




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Last Modified: Wed, Feb 18, 1998