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Thai PM calls for public's patience after series of bomb blasts

Xinhua, August 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

Thai Prime Minister on Friday called for public's patience and unity to help rid of bad people behind the bomb attacks that swept Thailand's middle and south in the past 24 hours.

Prayut made the statement in a special televised program on Friday night right after presiding over Thai Queen's 84-year-old birthday ceremony.

Expressing sorrow for families of the victims, the prime minister has promised that his government would do the utmost to alleviate victims as well as investigate the tragedy.

He said the government would look after the safety of all diplomats and foreigners in the country and fully care for those affected.

Prayut asked the public not to be panic and not to make any assumption as the culprits are still unclear. Time should be given for investigations to proceed.

Yet he alerted the public that "there are still bad people in Thai society who tried to act before the referendum day and on this auspicious day known as Queen Sirikit's birthday and Mother's day of all Thai people."

In this nation-wide broadcasted statement, Thai people are also urged to act as "eyes and ears" of the authorities in watching out and reporting suspicious people and objects.

Thailand has been stunned by a spate of bomb attacks around last Sunday's national constitution referendum, in which the junta-backed draft constitution won an overwhelming approval of voters while some critics claim that it will entrench the military's power and deepen divisions.

On the pre-referendum eve, Yala Province, one of Thailand's three southernmost provinces where separatist insurgency has centered in, was hit by a bomb.

Right after the Aug.7 referendum, a total of 12 bomb blasts rocked seven provinces in the country between Wednesday and Friday morning, killing three and injuring 35. Apart from bomb attacks, a series of huge fire also broke out in some southern provinces in less than 24 hours.

Earlier in the same day, Thai police has announced that the bomb explosions may have links with referendum opponents while ruling out international terrorism links. Enditem.