Five bomb attacks have hit Yala and Narathiwat, injuring two soldiers, as suspected insurgents step up their activities.
Three explosions were reported on Sunday night in the Yaha municipality in Yala's Yaha district where private properties were damaged. There were no injuries, according to local police.
One of the three bombs exploded in front of a gold shop on Sukhaphiban 3 Road, damaging the door, a signboard and windows.
The second and third bombs went off near a stationary store and residents' houses, causing slight damage.
An initial inspection found fragments from mobile phones believed to have been used to detonate the bombs as well as a home-made bomb which did not work.
The unexploded bomb, found at a newspaper stall opposite Yaha police station, was later destroyed by disposal experts.
Witnesses told police they saw two men on a motorcycle carrying black plastic bags in the municipality area prior to the bombings. Investigators reviewed footage from security cameras. They believed the attacks were carried out by insurgents.
In neighbouring Narathiwat, two bomb attacks wounded two soldiers early yesterday as they were patrolling a road used regularly by local teachers, police said. The injured were among eight soldiers who were riding four motorcycles along Phetkasem Road linked to Pattani.
The first bomb went off near a local mosque. Shrapnel injured Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Ong-at Sihabut and Private Aran Phanphrom, who were leading the patrol team on a motorcycle. Both are being treated at Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Hospital.
According to an inspection by security authorities, the attackers also planted another home-made bomb nearby. It exploded about 10 minutes after the first explosion, but no one was hurt.
Security officials believe the later explosion was aimed at authorities who were called to investigate the initial blast but missed its target.