Security has been stepped up in the deep South and several districts in Songkhla after a motorcycle bomb exploded yesterday morning, killing three people and injuring 34 others in Yala's Muang district.
The blast occurred at 6am during a busy period at Pimolchai fresh market in Yala municipality, police said. Two people died at the scene while the other was later declared dead in hospital.
A young man was seen parking a motorcycle near a pork stall at the market before rushing away on foot. Minutes later the bomb went off as a female stall owner was about to move the motorcycle, killing her. A male customer was also killed.
A total of 35 people were injured and rushed to Yala Hospital where one later died. Of the other injured seven were listed as seriously injured.
Security forces found chopped steel rods and electronic parts near the wrecked motorcycle and estimated the bomb weighed about 20 kilogrammes. Several stalls and motorcycles were damaged by the blast.
Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4 yesterday denounced the attack, the first bombing in the district's municipal area in several years.
Isoc Region 4 spokesman Col Pramote Phrom-in said the attack clearly showed militants have not abandoned their efforts to destroy lives and undermine public confidence in the authorities.
He assured that authorities would strictly follow legal procedures in bringing the bombers to justice.
He urged the public to help security forces by acting as their "eyes and ears" and report any suspicious activity.
He said investigators were gathering evidence and there was enough information to help identify insurgent groups responsible for the bombing.
They were from well established groups still active in the area, according to Col Pramote.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and army commander Chalermchai Sitthisad ordered the 4th Army Region to help victims and track down the attackers as quickly as possible, he said.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, Isoc spokesman, Maj Gen Pirawat Saengthong, said.
Gen Prayut, who also chairs Isoc, ordered all concerned agencies to provide assistance to the victims and their families and bring the culprits to justice, he said.
Authorities in Songkhla intensified security in Hat Yai and several border provinces including Thepha, Sadao, Na Thawee and Saba Yoi, in the wake of the bombing.
Vehicles entering Hat Yai are screened thoroughly at checkpoints.
Meanwhile, a 28-year-old man was gunned down yesterday morning while riding a motorcycle in tambon Rue So Ok, in Narathiwat's Rue So district, police said.
Makhodapi Badi was found shot four times next to his motorcycle. However, police found no bullet shells at the scene. Two people were later held for questioning, police said, adding the murder was likely the result of a personal conflict.