Security for end of Ramadan

Security was tight in the southernmost provinces and predominantly Muslim region as people celebrated Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan yesterday.

Songkhla Governor Kritsada Bounraj said he ordered officials and agencies to beef up security especially in crowded locations like Hat Yai to prevent violence during the festival.

Tourists from neighbouring provinces and Malaysia flooded the business hub of Hat Yai to celebrate the festival, he said.

Songkhla authorities requested all business centres, shopping malls and entertainment venues to tighten security to build confidence among tourists and visitors, the governor added.

However, the security measures should not obstruct tourism or the celebrations, he said, and added that officials in the provinces were ordered to provide good service and make travelling for tourists more convenient during the festival.

Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotel Association president Somchart Pimthanapulporn said Hat Yai was crowded yesterday, especially as tourists from Malaysia crossed the border to celebrate.

More than 20,000 accommodations in the district were fully booked up, he said.