Thai government steps up security
Thailand's military-backed government today pledged tighter security in the South of the country after bombings and shootings by suspected Muslim insurgents killed eight people and wounded almost 70.
The violence continued as bombs exploded at four locations in the South, killing one army major and wounding two soldiers, three policemen and 13 civilians, officials said.
In the latest violence, five people were hurt when a bomb triggered by a mobile phone exploded next to a karaoke parlour in the capital district of Narathiwat province, police said.
Also today, two soldiers assigned to protect teachers were wounded in an ambush as they were returning from carrying out their duty, police said.
The shootings took the number of wounded to 69 during the 24-hour period.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont met with top security officials and urged heightened security in the area.
The move comes ahead of some significant public holidays, including a Buddhist holiday in March and the Thai New Year (known as 'Songkran') celebrated in mid-April.
