Seven killed, several injured in Thai blasts

In what appeared to be multiple coordinated attacks that killed seven people, a series of explosions and fires ripped through at least 17 locations in southern Thailand on Wednesday, authorities said.

The bombings and arson attacks took place after midnight and targeted convenience stores and a gas station, injuring at least seven, according to police and military statements.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks so far.

Several provinces in southern Thailand along the border with Malaysia have seen a decades-long, low-level insurgency in which the Thai government has battled shadowy groups seeking independence for the predominantly Muslim provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and parts of Songkhla.

More than 7,300 people have been killed in the conflict since 2004, according to the Deep South Watch group, which monitors the violence.

The peace talks that began in 2013 have been hampered by repeated disruptions.

Wednesday s attacks came after the Thai government restarted discussions with the main insurgent group, the Barisan Revolusi Nasional, after a two-year hiatus due to the Pandemic.

The talks between the Patani United Liberation Organisation PULO, which was sidelined by the latest round of talks, carried out bombings during the holy month of Ramadan, claiming that the dialogue is not inclusive. The government has said it is ready to talk to all groups.