Ten Bomb Blasts in Narathiwat, Yala on Eve of Thai’s Constitutional Referendum

Narathiwat, 04 Dzulqa’dah 1437/07 August 2016  (MINA) – At least 10 bomb explosions were reported in the restive provinces of Narathiwat and Yala last night, barely 24 hours before Thailand holds its constitutional referendum Sunday.

Narathiwat police chief Maj Gen Pattanawut Angkanawin said the bomb blasts occurred between 7.30pm and 8pm at several locations but no injuries or fatalities were reported.

“The bombs which targeted lamp posts caused several areas to be without electricity and knocked out communications system,” Bernama quoted him as telling reporters here Saturday evening.

The explosions were reported to have occurred in Sungai Golok, Ranget, Bacho, Chok Airong, Yimgo, Takbai, Chanek, Rusak, Waeng and Muang in Narathiwat, he said.

According to him, a bomb blast was also reported in Yaman district of Yala province. Yesterday, police had reported six explosions in southern Thailand, seen as a in reaction to the referendum tomorrow.

Since 2004, more than 6,500 people have been killed in sporadic violence in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, all provinces bordering with Malaysia.

Thailand is a Buddhist-majority country but the south is Muslim-majority, and resistance to Buddhist rule has existed for decades.

About 50 million Thais will go out to vote in the poll on a new constitution drafted by a committee by the country’s military junta. (T/R07/R01)

(Mi’raj Ilamic News Agency (MINA)