The attackers appear to be focusing on tourist hotspots. At least two people have reportedly been killed and “many” injured in the new spate of violence.
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Two more bombs went off Hua Hin, and the southern city of Surat Thani and the resort island of Phuket were each hit by twin blasts, police said.
Targeted were the popular tourist destinations of Phuket, Trang, Phang Nga and the seaside resort town of Hua Hin, where Thailand’s royal family has a residence.
Thailand’s economy has sagged since the military seized power in a 2014 coup, but tourism has remained one of the few bright spots, with more than 14 million people visiting in 2016 so far – up from 12.5 million the year before. “No one knew what was going on”, the tourist, identified only as Thomas, said.
A female municipal worker was killed and four were injured in that incident, Chanmornoi said.
Thai prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha called for security to be stepped up across popular tourist and urban areas, The Guardian reported. “We have to band together and stay strong”.
There’s “no evidence” a series of bombings in Thailand are related to worldwide terrorism, says Deputy Police Spokesman Maj.
Police said on Friday they believe that a series of blasts targeting tourist resorts in southern Thailand overnight and in the morning were acts of local sabotage and were not linked to any worldwide militant group.
“Further attacks can not be ruled out”.
Friday’s explosions came just hours after one person was killed and almost 20 injured, including foreign tourists, in two explosions in Hua Hin town on Thursday night.
The first bombs on Thursday were set off within 30 minutes of each other by remote control, says Police Gen. Sithichai Srisopacharoenrath, Hua Hin’s superintendent of police.
Reports on the websites of the Thai Rath newspaper and other media said the bombs were hidden in planters Thursday night on a busy street with open-front bars.
Hua Hin, 9am, kills one and injures three by Hua Hin clock tower.
Several other blasts have also been reported in other cities in southern Thailand. Over the last 24 hours, sporadic explosions have affected Hua Hin, Surat Thani, Patong, Trang and Phang Nga.
“Which group? Go find out for me”, he said.
Today is a public holiday in Thailand to mark Queen Sirikit’s birthday.
Hua Hin, 10.15pm and 11pm, kills one woman and injures 21 on a tourist street. “It is just local sabotage that is restricted to limited areas and provinces”.
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The ruling junta has declared that defending the monarchy is its priority, especially as there is concern about the process to succeed the ailing 88-year-old king, who is the world’s longest reigning monarch. His sister Yingluck Shinawatra, who became prime minister in 2011, was ousted in the 2014 army takeover. Critics say the move helps ensure the military-government’s grip on power for years to come.
