At least four local residents were injured when three bombs exploded simultaneously in several areas in Sungai Golok, south Thailand, near Rantau Panjang in Kelantan.

Captain Traipop Donprai-laorong, from the Sungai Golok police station, said the bombs exploded about 6pm local time.

“The motive of the bomb attack is believed to sabotage the Sungai Golok Annual Food festival being held since (last) Saturday until this Wednesday,” he told reporters in Narathiwat today.

He said the first bomb exploded in front of a temple on Jalan Pracharat, while the second exploded behind Plaza Hotel and the third at Lorong Raman in Sungai Golok.

The bomb explosions caused panic among local residents and foreign tourists in the border town.

Meanwhile, in another incident in Yaring district, Pattani, today, a local security volunteer was seriously injured when a bomb exploded while he was starting his car engine.

Captain Khajornsak Kuamanee, from the Yaring police station, said the bomb exploded in Kampung Tanjung Dalor, at about 3pm local time and seriously injured Ismail Chetae, 36.

"A loud explosion occurred when the victim was trying to start his car engine. The victims were seriously injured on the leg and body,” he said, adding that the victim was sent to Pattani Hospital for treatment.

- Bernama