Series of bomb attacks in Thai southern provinces, killing at least 4

BANGKOK, Aug 12 (TNA) -- A series of bomb attacks hit popular tourist towns in the southern provinces of Thailand, leaving at least four dead and many injured while authorities believed the attacks were the acts of local sabotage and not terrorism, according to the Royal Thai Police. Police said the attacks both bombs and fires were occurred in seven provinces in the southern region of Thailand. There were at least three people killed and 12 were injured. On Thursday, there was a bomb at Centre Point market in Trang, killing one victim and six were injured. On the same day at around 10pm, twin bombs exploded in the famous resort town of Hua Hin, killing one woman and wounding more than 20 others, including 10 foreign tourists. On Friday morning at around 2am, fire broke out at Lee Mart department store, near Trang railway station. Fire raged the premise for hours before the blaze were under control. The damages may cost more than 100 million baht. At the same time, a fire has hit a market in Takua Pa disttrict of Phang-nga, destroying more than 80 souvenir shops. No report of injury. At around 4am, fire has occured at shops at walking street in Ao Nang in Krabi's provincial seat. The firefighter took around 30 minutes to control the fire. At 8.20am, twin bombs blasted at two locations in Surat Thani's provincial seat. The first one was at the sign board of the Sub-Division 6 of Marine Police and the second one at the ATM booth in front of the Surat Thani provincial police station. One person was killed at the scene while many prople were injured. At the same time, in Phuket twin bombs exploded at traffic control booth at Patong Beach, wounding one person. Another location was Dolphin Public Park in Patong beach which was about one kilometre away. At 8.50am, fire occured at Tesco Lotus hypermarket in Nakhon Si Thammarat. At 9.00am, two bombs have occurred at the clock tower in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Police have also found bomb hiding under the seat of a motorcycle and successfully defused. It was not clear who was behind the attacks, but police Police the blasts were acts of local sabotage and not linked to terrorism. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told reporters that the bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion. He urged the public to calm as the government was doing the best to provide security to the country. Government spokesman Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Gen Prayuth has expressed his sadness over the unexpected and tragic incidents and ordered police and soldiers in the area to step up security measures. Police also said they have not found any evidence that the blasts were coordinated or whether they were related to an insurgency in Muslim-majority provinces in southern Thailand. (TNA)