The attack came a day after Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont paid a visit to the troubled region for the second time in a week. During his first trip to the deep south, Surayud apologised for the government mistreatment to the locals. He announced the do away of the blacklist of suspected wrongdoers during the second trip.

Suspected Muslim militants planted bombs inside cars or near motorbikes in eight showrooms: Honda, Nissan, Chevrolet, Mazda, Ford and Isuzu showrooms and two motorbike vendors. The explosive injured 13 people, heavily damaged six cars and slightly scratched other six vehicles. More than 10 motorbikes were damaged, said investigative officials.

A Honda showroom staff said his colleague received a call through his mobile phone saying that there would be an explosion, and a bomb went off only a few minutes after the call.

Local business owners said they were warned about a major attack but had no idea that the car and motorcycle showrooms would be the targets.

Almost all the gold shops in Muang district closed down for fear of their safety. Commercial banks remained opened but have tightened up their security.

The Nation