Serial bomb blasts killed four people and injured dozens in Thailand on Thursday and Friday. It is not yet clear who was behind the blasts, which followed a successful referendum held last weekend on a new constitution that critics say will bolster the military’s power.
The attacks occurred south of Bangkok and several of the blasts, including one on Patong beach in the tourist town of Phuket and four in the seaside resort city of Hua Hin, appeared designed to strike the tourism industry, which provides vital income to the government.
Police said firebombs also triggered blazes at markets and shops in six places, including Phuket, Trang, Surat Thani, Phang Nga and a souvenir shop in the tourist town of Ao Nang, Krabi.
Economic downturnThailand’s economy has sagged since the military seized power in a 2014 coup. But tourism has remained one of the few bright spots, with visitors rising to 30 million in 2015 and more than 14 million having visited by May 2016, according to the latest official figures.
Foreign governments, including the United States, issued warnings Friday urging travellers to use caution and avoid affected areas.
The police said four injured tourists were from Germany, two from Italy and one from Austria. The Netherlands said four of its citizens were also wounded.
“It is not yet clear who is behind these attacks,” German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said. “But one thing is clear — no political aim justifies violence and attacks on innocent people.”
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said the government was doing the best it “could to provide security to the country.”
The most devastating explosion occurred overnight in Hua Hin on a busy street filled with bars and restaurants. — AP
