39 Bombs Rock Southern Thailand

Up to 39 explosions injured 22 people over three days in Thailand’s restive southern province of Yala, an army official said on Monday.

“There were 36 to 39 bombs from Thursday to Saturday,” said a spokesperson for the Internal Security Operations Command.

Most victims suffered minor injuries, but two remained in hospital, he said. No fatalities were reported.

The first bombs went off Thursday night in the provincial capital, also called Yala. Many were planted near electricity posts, apparently to cause blackouts, but failed, according to investigators.

Security measures were increased Monday, the first day of the school year in the country.

The southernmost region of Buddhist-majority Thailand is predominantly Muslim.

The conflict and violence has been ongoing for more than five decades but has become increasing violent over the past decade, killing more than 5 000 since 2004.

The military central government has been working to resolve the violence since they came in power in May 2014.