Fourth Army Area commander Lt General Ongkorn Thongprasom said there was no order for a state of emergency to prevent or cope with more possible terror attacks.

A state of emergency is effective in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat and four districts in Songkhla but not Hat Yai.

"The imposition of a state of emergency in Hat Yai would scare away tourists and affect the local economy," he added.

Provincial Governor Somporn Chaibangyang said police and civilian security officers had focused on security at government offices and public facilities. The suspected insurgents chose unexpected targets.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blasts and officials have not blamed any group.

The attacks did occur during the celebrations marking the establishment of the Islamic group Gerakan Mujahideen Islam Pattani, or Pattani Islamic Mujahideen.

Police spokesman Lt General Ajiravid Subarnbhesaj urged people to be alert to strangers in their neighbourhoods and those with information about possible attacks to contact the police. He also called on the news media to not criticise security officials because it would discourage them further.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, in Cuba for a Non-Aligned Movement meeting, asked Army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin and national police chief General Kowit Wattana to travel to Hat Yai.