Police had noticed the bomb and tried to free the area of people but the device was detonated, most probably by a mobile phone, police said.

At 8.50am, another bomb went off as a convoy of eight police passed an abandoned checkpoint in Paluroo subdistrict on its way to providing back-up to Thairath Withaya 89 school. None of the officers was hurt, as the vehicles were 20 metres away from the checkpoint. The car of Anirut Chepo, 16, who was driving behind the convoy, suffered damage, while his body and right leg were slightly hurt.

Principal Uthai Inthanil said he ordered his school closed until further notice. All 14 staff were terrified, and the 152 students were told to go home immediately, he said.

"We don't know when we will re-open the school. I will have to consult with the director of Narathiwat Education Zone 2 and security officials first," he said.

In neighbouring Pattani, a bomb exploded in Muang district while security officers and the monks they were guarding were making their rounds begging for alms. No one was hurt.

In Yala's Muang district, a village headman was attacked while driving his motorcycle with his son to work.

Police said two men on a motorbike approached Tuanyoonu Pasae, 51. The passenger fired four shots with a pistol at Tuanyoonu before speeding away. The victim died at a local hospital.

Police arrested Ku-asman Doko, who was believed to be the motorbike rider. He already had several arrest warrants out for him, police said.

Police also detained five youngsters who lived in Ku-asman's house for interrogation. - the nation