4 die in bombing trap in southern Thailand

BANGKOK — Four people have been killed by a bomb at a drugstore in southern Thailand suspected to have been planted by Muslim insurgents.

Six police who had been lured to the spot to investigate a robbery report were wounded by the Friday blast in Narathiwat province's Chanae district.

Police Lt. Col. Tirawut Tissatien said the dead were four villagers killed immediately by the blast.

Police Sgt. Chana Hongthawee said, "This is a new insurgent tactic for killing officials."

More than 3,300 people, mostly civilians, have died since early 2004 as a result of an Islamic insurgency. Attacks have generally taken the form of drive-by shootings and bombings intended to frighten Buddhist residents into leaving the predominantly Muslim area.