Initial reports of casualties were sketchy. It was believed that at least two people

were killed and some 20 injured when a bomb went off at karaoke shops in

Narathitwat's Sungai Kolok district.

Teenagers riding pickup trucks carried out the attacks, clashed with armed

forces at a checkpoint and set fire on at least one school, initial reports

from Narathiwat said.

Simultaneous attacks also were carried out in Songkhla, Yala and Pattani.

Bombs exploded at over ten places in Yala's night entertainment venues as

well as an electricitygenerating plant in Pattani. Electricity has been out

for over an hour.

Officials ordered Yala residents to stay home in the wake of bomb attacks,

which were believed to have injured many.

Initial details from Yala were also sketchy. Reports attacks took place at

inner city areas. Targets included Sridara karaoke shop, My Way restaurant,

Nong Mai karaoke shop, Suan Kaew karaoke shop, an Esso gas station, Sri Yala

Hotel, Shell gas station, a shopping complex, and a transport office

headquarters.

Attacks in outer city areas took place in front of a golf driving range and

in front of a power plant in tambon Sateng Nok.

In Pattani, a bomb exploded at a small power station of the Electricity

Generating Authority of Thailand, causing a widespread power outage in Muang district and

surrounding areas.

Five minutes after the blackout, teenagers on motorcyles, wearing black and

white scarfs went on a rampage on streets. There were reportedly ambushes

government offices and several residences in many districts. One house was

burnt down in Yaring district. One suspect was arrested in Sai Buri

district.

Insurgents also shot police and military officials and blocked  routes in

the province.

Power has been resumed in 95 per cent of affected areas, the Pattani

governor told iTV after 9pm.

Many important places in Songkhla were also attacked by arsonists while

schools and mosques in Narathiwat were also under attack.

According to initial reports from Songkhla, trouble occurred at 11 spots in

three districts bordering the three southernmost provinces. Incidents

included an arson attack on a house, the shooting of a janitor whose

condition was still unclear, burning of tyres in several areas including

near a border policemen base, and burning of an electricity pole and a phone

booth.