Series of bombings hit Thai south

They went off almost simultaneously across the three provinces closest to the Malaysian border - an area plagued by a long-running Islamic insurgency.

The homemade bombs exploded early in the morning, just as people were arriving for work.

The largest hit a teashop in Pattani province, killing a local official and wounding many of the customers.

Another went off at a government office in Yala province, minutes before the minister in charge of national security, Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya, was due to visit the area.

TROUBLED SOUTH

• Home to most of Thailand's 4% Muslim minority
• Muslim rebels fought the government up to the mid-80s
• Suspected militants have upped attacks since 2004, targeting Buddhists
• Security forces' response criticised by rights groups

Thailand's restive south

Interior Minister Kongsak Wanthana said he had been given information that insurgents were planning a "major operation" on Thursday, but he said that damage from the blasts had been "minimal".

The Thai authorities are battling an insurgency in the Muslim majority south, which is culturally very different from the rest of the country.

Officials have tried both crackdowns and promises of aid, but the killing shows no sign of stopping.

More than 1,300 people have died since early 2004 - mostly in isolated attacks on civilians or security personnel.

But occasionally the insurgents launch more co-ordinated offensives - proving to officials in Bangkok that they're part of a well-organised group, capable of inflicting serious harm.