The attack comes two months after a wave of bombings in tourist towns in southern Thailand that killed four Thai residents and wounded dozens, including foreigners. Police confirmed the attacks were linked to Muslim militants.
The southernmost area of Thailand bordering Malaysia is home to many Muslims and has witnessed many bomb and gun attacks since 2004. Over 6,500 people have been killed in insurgency in the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, Naratkhiwat and Songkhla over the past 12 years. The Thai government has pledged to boost negotiations with insurgent groups with the support of neighbouring Malaysia since late 2004 but no breakthrough has been made.
An injured woman is brought to the Pattani provincial hospital after the bombing (Photo: AFP) |
