Deputy PM Sees No Bombing Impacts on Southern Tourism

BANGKOK, March 13 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said the series of bombings in Phatthalung and Satun provinces in the past weekend would have no impacts on southern tourism. There would not be a negative impact on the tourism because authorities already stepped up security measures, Gen Prawit said. Regarding the bombings in Phatthalung and Satun, Gen Prawit who is also the defence minister said the 4th Army’s suppression drove insurgents out of three southern border provinces and they turned to launch attacks in the other provinces to distract authorities’ attention in the deep South. Gen Prawit also said that security authorities were questioning eight people suspected of being behind the weekend bombings in Phatthalung and Satun and legal actions against culprits were based on evidence including the surveillance camera footage. In Narathiwat province, two men dressing like women on a motorcycle approached a security base in Subo Tasae village in Yingo sub-district at about 10.30am. The pillion rider threw a pipe bomb at the base. Police fired at them but they could escape. The explosion created holes on a concrete wall. Chopped steel rods used as shrapnel and parts of the bomb were found at the scene. (TNA)