A monk and a soldier were killed in a bomb attack which targeted an early morning alms ceremony in Pattani on Saturday.
Eight people were rushed to hospital after the bomb exploded near a riverside market in Sai Buri district’s Taluban municipality at 6.40am, but two succumbed to their injuries.
The dead were identified as Phra Ekkapol Sri-osoth, 39, and Cpl Wanmai Rakano, 28. Two other soldiers, a monk and three residents last night remained in hospital receiving treatment.
An initial investigation found a remote-detonation device had been placed inside a 20kg gas canister beside a roadside stall and set off as soldiers escorted a group of monks from Wat Wimol Wattanaram to collect alms.
Deputy Defence Minister and army chief Gen Udomdej Sitabutr ordered increased security across the region in response to the attack, Internal Security Operation Command spokesman Banpot Poonpian said.
Col Banpot said the area had long been a peaceful home for people of different religions, and condemned the attackers for trying to stir unrest. He blamed the attack on “minority extremists” and accused them of attempting to trigger a rift between people of different faiths.
Col Banpot urged the public not to share news of the attack or release photos of the victims, saying that would only give insurgents the publicity they desired.
Prime Minister’s Office Minister Suwapan Tanyuwattana said the National Office of Buddhism has sent high-ranking officers to help the affected monks.
“I appealed to all parties to play a greater role in addressing the problem, particularly local religious leaders, who must help stem the violence,” Mr Suwapan said.
“Religious leaders in the southern border provinces must help find ways to stop violence and show that what happened was wrong.”