The simultaneous attacks took place on the night of February 18 in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, killing six and injuring more than 50. Last Tuesday, three suspects were paraded before the media.

"Of 23 suspects already identified or arrested, five are from Yala, 11 from Pattani and seven from Narathiwat," Army spokesman Colonel Akara Tipparoj said yesterday.

He said the situation in the South should return to normal soon.

"We have learned a lesson. From now on, the authorities will collaborate more closely to watch out for any evidence that a harmful incident may arise," Akara said.

He said the authorities were going to gather the opinions of businessmen and residents.

"The information will be useful," he said.

In a related development, Pattani deputy governor Winai Karuwannapat said security would be heightened during the Goddess Lim Ko Niew Festival.

"Security forces will be stationed on both the inner and outer roads to ensure that no militants can sneak in," Winai said.

The festival will run from March 1 to March 7, and is expected to attract up to 30,000 visitors.

Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin urged vigilance in the capital on Makha Puja Day and during the Songkran Festival.

Buddhist Makha Puja is on March 3 and Songkran will run from around April 13 to April 15.

Bangkok's New Year's Eve bombs killed three.

"Call 1555 if you see anything suspicious," Apirak said yesterday.

He also inspected safety measures at the Suan Oi Community and Dhevaraj Market in Bangkok yesterday.