MAHA SARAKHAM, Feb 25 – Four persons, including two police officers, were killed as a bomb exploded during a religious festival in this northeastern province late Sunday night.

The incident took place at the compound of ancient Na Dun stupa where famous Isan percussion band Ponglang Sa-orn was performing a concert on a stage.

Police stopped a male suspect who was seen carrying a hand grenade into the festival compound.

Identified as Winai Jeknam, 32, the man refused to be searched when stopped by the police, and the explosion took place during the struggle.

Two police officers died instantly in the chaos, along with a 12-year-old boy attending the festival with his family.

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