A motorcycle bomb that killed three people and wounded 34 others at Pimolchai fresh market in Yala on Monday will not affect peace talks between Thailand and insurgency groups in the far South, officials said yesterday.
Wallop Raksanoh, secretary-general of the Office of the National Security Council, said the blast in Muang district would not impede peace talks or a plan to designate safety zones in the restive southern provinces.
The attack was unrelated to the ongoing negotiations, he insisted.
Gen Wallop said a manhunt has been launched by a joint force including military officers of the 4th Army Region.
Authorities have yet to confirm the motive behind the attack, which appears aimed at civilians but may have been orchestrated in retaliation against state officials, officials said.
The motorcycle bomb exploded at 6am at Pimolchai fresh market in Yala.
Seven people were still in hospital later that night.
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 bike, resulting in her death. A male customer was also killed.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said local authorities have conducted an inquiry into three individuals suspected of being involved in the attack.
The government has entered into peace talks with several insurgent groups. But disagreements persist and attacks remain a clear and present danger, the premier said.
Krissada Kaewchandee, chief of the Yala Provincial Police, said CCTV footage taken from near the crime scene initially indicated two suspects were behind the attack.
But authorities are struggling to confirm their identities as they wore safety helmets and face masks.
However, investigators have been able to trace some of the routes used by one of the suspects as he fled the scene, Pol Maj Gen Krissada said.
Police are awaiting lab results of evidence taken from the crime scene to see if it matches the suspects' DNA, he added.
In response to the bombing, the mayor of Yala discussed security measures with the local district chief and market vendors yesterday afternoon.
Commenting on the blast, Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda said the ministry has instructed district chiefs in the violence-plagued South to beef up security measures.
He said similar attacks have been carried out at fresh markets before, as they are regarded as easy targets given their low security, large crowds and ease of access by motorbikes.
"Letting villagers park their motorcycles at markets is a security risk. To lower the risk of similar repeat attacks they should not be parked there," Gen Anupong said.
"[A motorbike ban] was launched earlier but it was found to be too inconvenient for villagers. It also caused congestion," he added.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday condemned those behind the blast.
Over 400 civilians and officials marched to Pimolchai fresh market to observe one minute of silence for the victims.