Thailand warns of Laos instability

The Foreign Minister of Thailand, Surin Pitsuwan, has expressed his country's concern following a series of bomb explosions in neighbouring Laos.

He said the attacks could undermine regional security and affect tourism and investment.

Correspondents say that such pointed comments by an Asian Foreign Minister about a neighbouring country are rare, and could well be received in Laos as open criticism. There've been five explosions in the past few months.

No-one has claimed responsiblity for the explosions, which the government has blamed on criminals.

Diplomats say the attacks could be linked to ethnic unrest, business disputes or splits in the Communist Party.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service