Insurgency in South

BANGKOK - Their identities may still be a mystery, but suspected Malay Muslim militants in southern Thailand are removing any doubts about what they have in mind when they come calling. They want to prove that the Thai government is losing control of that troubled region, say analysts.

Tuesday night saw the latest of well-coordinated bombing and arson sprees that the assailants have mounted in the provinces of Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani, which lie along the Malaysian border. By Wednesday afternoon, the Thai media were reporting that close to 130 places had been attacked by small bombs and been set on fire. They included a railway station, karaoke bars and homes of police and government officials.
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[Aunty]

Thus far it seems the militants are confining their campaign to the disputed provinces which comprise their homeland in the far south. If the situation for them deteriorates, as it most likely will, desperation will probably mean they will take the campaign to all parts of the kingdom. Sadly I think it will be only a matter of time before we see a Bali type attack in Phukett, Bangkok or Pattaya, with devastating consequences not only in terms of the loss of life but also to Thailand as a tourist destination.