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Published on March 17, 2008

Sirichai Piti-charoen, chairman of the Pattani chamber, said the car bomb, which killed two people and injured more than 10, has been devastating for the province's image to protect tourists and other visitors.

"CS Pattani is a leading hotel here so the impact is significant.

"It's often a venue for the government and private sectors to hold meetings and seminars," Sirichai said.

"With this attack, confidence has further eroded for both tourists and potential investors.

"The government will have to find solutions to the years-long unrest in southern Thailand."

Sirichai said the chamber had telephoned or messaged members, urging them to take extra security precautions to avert further attacks.

The business operators were asked to check their closed-circuit camera systems and other security to make sure they were working properly to enable police to gather evidence should there be further attacks.

Anusart Suwanmongkol, managing director of CS Pattani, said the eight-story hotel's front glass panels were damaged by the blast, as were some furniture, ceilings and part of the front lobby.

"Unfortunately, we've not renewed our insurance coverage because the insurance firm asked for a 300 per cent increase in the premium," Anusart said.

"I would like to ask the government to investigate the matter since businesses here are being taken advantage of by insurers who are demanding higher premiums.

"Local authorities will also have to provide assistance to the families of those killed and injured," he said.

The hotel had been seen as one of the safest places in the troubled southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.

The Nation

Pattani