Bangkok Post

Prompong Nopparit denied allegations by the opposition that Ms Yingluck appeared to be in a party mood during her presence at the banquet and ignored the bomb incident. 

He said the opposition only wanted to politicise the issue by linking the two incidents and discrediting the premier, which was not fair.

The two events were separate duties and tasks Ms Yingluck had to undertake. 

“The prime minister was not unconcerned or ignored the problem and has issued an order to set up a team to look into and handle the problem urgently,” Mr Prompong said.

“We want to see the opposition cooperate with the government more than doing nothing but naggling. This kind of [verbal] attack will do no good for the people.”  

A powerful car bomb struck CS Pattani hotel at 7.30pm, causing major damage to the premises and blacked out almost the entire town. 

Ms Yingluck turned up at a banquet hosted by Pheu Thai to discuss with coalition parties further moves on charter amendment at Miracle Grand Hotel at 9.30pm, about two hours after the car bomb attack in Pattani.

Video clips showed Ms Yingluck singing joyful songs – one of them called “Let’s be happy” -- with other Pheu Thai MPs on stage has sparked criticism from the opposition and Internet users.   

Reports said before Ms Yingluck’s arrival, members of the media had gathered at the hotel to interview her about the bombing, but officials of the Pheu Thai Party asked them to wait until the banquet ended. 

When meeting reporters later, Ms Yingluck only said she knew about the car bombing incident and left the hotel.