More checkpoints set up in Hat Yai after Narathiwat bombing

SONGKHLA, February 21 -- Defence volunteers have set up more checkpoints on roads leading to the southern district of Hat Yai in Songkhla near the Thai-Malaysian border, following Friday’s bombing incident in Narathiwat province which wounded 17 people. Police said defense volunteers manning the checkpoints would inspect every motorcycle and selectively search suspicious cars. The strict measure also came amid the ongoing Chinese New Year celebrations, which has drawn local and foreign tourist into this biggest town in the country’s southern region, especially those from Malaysia. Police said local people and tourists are cooperative with the authorities in the vehicle search measure. They said the measure will last until next Monday when Chinese New Year celebrations end. (TNA)