[AFP] Most of the terrorists behind a series of bombings in Thai tourist towns are people from the kingdom's far South, Thailand's police chief said yesterday. It was the first clear indication that officials think a southern militants played a role in the attacks which killed four and injured dozens this month.Police chief Chakthip Chaijinda said investigators believe a group of "more than twenty people" were behind the co-ordinated attacks. He said, "Most of them are from the area of the southern border provinces police operation center."
Chakthip added that investigators had recently searched a school where he believed some of the suspects had studied or graduated from. Asked whether the suspects were Thai nationals he replied: "They are not Buddhists."
Analysts say Thailand's military leadership fears any admission that southern insurgents were responsible might harm tourism and raise questions over the regime's ability to ensure security. However in recent days the police investigation has increasingly pointed southward.
One arrest warrant has so far been issued for a named suspect over the attacks, a man from the southern province of Narathiwat. Local reports say that the man, Ahama Lengha, has a history of involvement with militants.
Police chief Chakthip said he believed the perpetrators were previously unknown to police, not veterans from within the Malay insurgency who might be easier to catch and identify.