Thai officer investigates August 23 bombing scene in Pattani (Source: AFP/VNA) Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s police have said suspects in a series of bomb attacks on the country’s tourist towns have links to southern Muslim rebels.
This is the first time the Thai authorities have confirmed a link to the southern insurgency. Earlier, the government ruled out connection between the bombings and southern insurgents.
No one has claimed responsibility for the bombing which hit popular resorts across the south on August 11-12, killing four and wounding dozens including European visitors.
A military court has to date issued arrest warrants for three suspects in the attacks. All the three are Muslims.
Usmeen Katemmadee, a 29-year-old from Pattani province named in the latest warrant, is wanted for bomb possession and arson over an attack against Hua Hin. Two earlier warrants are for Ahama Lengha from Narathiwat province and Russalan Baima from neighbouring Songkhla.
According to statistics, more than 6,500 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in decade-long violence by insurgent groups in southern Thailand, mainly in Yala, Pattanni, Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces.-VNA
