Banners carrying the same message attacking government authorities and making death threats were found in two more provinces in the far South on Wednesday morning - after the first appeared in Narathiwat province on Tuesday.
This banner in Pattani province on Wednesday carries the same message as many others appearing in the far South, attacking government authorities and Buddhists. (Photo by Abdulloh Bengjakat)
White cloth banners with the same message written in Thai were hung up overnight in Pattani and Yala provinces, and seen on Wednesday morning.
The banners accused the government of aiming guns at innocent Muslims and made death threats against Buddhist people, government officials and teachers.
In Pattani, they were found on Yaring Road in Jabangtikor sub-district of Muang Pattani district and on Road 42 near Ban Ka La Phor School in Troh Bon sub-district of Sai Buri district.
In Yala, banners with the same message were found at six locations in four districts.
They were in Tha Sab sub-district of Muang Yala district, in Ba-ngosenae sub-district of Yaha district, in Taling Chan, Tanoh Puteh and Bannang Sata sub-districts of Bannang Sata district and in Ban Rae sub-district of Than To district. Suspicious packages were placed at some of the locations and bomb squads were called in to inspect them.
Similar banners were found on Tuesday at four spots in three districts of Narathiwat -- at two locations on a road to Narathiwat airport and in Ban Kubae Bue Dee in Khok Khian sub-district of Muang Narathiwat district.
Other banners were found in Ban Sala Lukkai in Lahan sub-district and in Bacho sub district of Bacho district.
Bomb squads destroyed suspicious packages found at many of the sites.