Thailand: Police arrest two after series of blasts in tourist spots

Prayut Chan-o-cha condemned the attack and ordered an official investigation.

Thai police have detained two men for questioning over the series of bomb blasts that shook the nation yesterday. Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, condemned the attack on multiple tourist locations and ordered an official investigation.

"The bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion. We should not make people panic more," Prayut told AFP.

"Why have the bombs occurred as our country is heading towards stability, a better economy and tourism -- and who did it? You have to find out," he added.

However, police have completely ruled out the possibility of international terrorism and suspect local insurgency against the recently elected junta-backed government.

A series of bombs explosion in five provinces in Thailand targeting the crucial tourism industry of the nation killed at least four people and injured several others.

Four bombs exploded in the popular resort town of Hua Hin over the last 48 hours and several blasts also hit the island of Phuket on Friday.

Hua Hin's district chief, Sutthipong Klai-udom, said several of the bombs were detonated by mobile phone.

"It was very shocking. There was a loud noise and police were running everywhere, it was terrible," Michael Edwards, an Australian tourist told AFP. He was staying in a guest house close to the place where the second bomb exploded.

The junta led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha was given a convincing win by the supporters in its first major popularity test since it seized power in a 2014 coup overthrowing the old constitution after months of political instability and occasional violence.

Recently, Thailand approved its new military junta-backed constitution. However critics of the regime believe that it will deepen military control and increase divisions.

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