15 new cars burnt in Honda showroom arson in Pattani

August 22, 2012

PATTANI, Aug 22 – Fifteen new automobiles were destroyed in Nong Chik district of Pattani province in an insurgency-related act of arson early today.

Ten men dressed in headgear to prevent their being recognised overpowered guards to force their way into a Honda showroom here, setting it afire Wednesday morning, and burning 15 new Honda cars.

Fifteen new cars—two Honda Civics and 13 Honda Jazz models – and two motorcycles belonging to showroom employees were destroyed. According to the local Honda manager.

Investigators said that some 10 armed arsonists, with headgear covering their faces, entered the showroom compound by a back entrance. They forced three security guards to lay down on the floor, poured the petrol onto the cars in the warehouse in the compound and set them on fire.

The arsonists then fled the scene.

Showroom manager Mayuree Songkaew said that the 15 cars were all new and that seven of the new vehicles were scheduled to be handed over to buyers on Wednesday after being reserved and awaiting delivery for seven months.

Ms Mayuree said today's incident was the second arson at the automobile agency. The first was in 2007 when arsonists set fire the front portion of the agency. This time the blaze was in the warehouse at the back of the compound.

She said the company is assessing the damage and that has fire insurance coverage. (MCOT online news)

View the full article