A total of eight improvised explosive devices and suspicious objects were planted in Pattani province on Saturday night and early Sunday, Col Pramote Promin, spokesman for the 4th Region Forward Command of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), said on Sunday morning.
Col Pramote Promin (File Photo)
He said the militants intended to create unrest by detonating the bombs hidden in different stores, hoping they would spark a fire.
"The assailants wore hijabs to deceive people and authorities, but thanks to cooperation from several people, officials were able to disarm most devices," Col Pramote said.
He said the bombs went off in two areas - one at a supermarket and the other at a karaoke bar, where a civilian was slightly injured.
The spokesman said Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the national army chief, instructed soldiers to closely oversee areas where many civilians live and do business in the far South, such as commercial areas,
He said the insurgents might want to hit back following Wednesday's clash between 60 marines and about 80 fully armed militants in Narathiwat province. The clash left 16 militants dead and four more captured. No marines were killed.
Meanwhile, the general atmosphere in the southernmost province of Yala was quiet on Sunday morning, as many people were afraid to come out of their houses, fearing for their safety.
Pol Maj Gen Peera Boonliang, chief of Yala police station, said officers are inspecting all vehicles entering and leaving the municipality of the province.