Are the three violent incidents on April 10 connected or isolated?
Security officials have been trying to figure out whether the three violent incidents which took place in three southern provinces on the night of April 10 are related or isolated and whether they were perpetrated by southern militants or by anti-junta elements.
On Samui island, a car bomb exploded in the underground car park of Central Festival shopping mall at about 10.30 pm. About ten people were injured and several cars were damaged.
In Surat Thani province, the provincial co-operatives which is, in fact, a spacious retail shop, located beside the Petkasem highway, was struck by a fire causing extensive damage to the shop. It is yet to be determined whether the fire was an act of arson or it was just an accident.
Meanwhile in Kok Kloy district of Phang-nga, the Super Cheap retail shop was torched. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
All the three violent incidents took place on April 10 which marked the 5th anniversary of the violent protest at Kok Wua intersection in Bangkok which left more than 20 people dead, including five army troops.
Several security officials believe that the three incidents were linked and that the incidents might be perpetrated by southern militants or elements which are opposed to the junta. They pointed out at the timing of the incidents which marked the 5th anniversary of the bloody protest at Kok Wua intersection. April 10 also marked an important of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional, a southern separatist group.
April 10 also marked the first day of the Songkran festival. Since Phang-nga and Surat Thani are popular tourist destinations, the violent incidents may affect tourism business.
The pick-up truck which was rigged with explosives was believed to be a Mazda which was stolen from La-ae Tambon Administration Organsation in Yala province about two weeks ago.
Lt-Gen Nanthadet Meksawat, former director of Special Operations Centre (southern region), said the three incidents might be perpetrated by southern militants in retaliation against the killing of four innocent Malay Muslims in Thung Yang Daeng of Pattani by security forces last month. Or they might be committed by government officials loyal to the Thaksin regime who are facing punitive actions from the government.
Dr Panitharn Wattanayakorn, an advisor to deputy prime minister for security affairs, said that if the origin of the bombed truck and the type of the bomb could be determined, it would not be difficult to fingerpoint which group was responsible for the car bomb attack.
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Caption : A car bomb exploded in the underground car park of Central Festival shopping mall On Samui island.