Around two dozen bombs exploded at entertainment facilities, schools, government buildings, gas stations and power plants late Sunday in Thailand's four southern provinces of Songkhla, Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala, causing at least three deaths and many more injuries.

At about 19:00 p.m. local time (1200 GMT), several bombs were triggered by suspected insurgents at karaoke bars in Hat Yai, the economic hub of Songkhla. Many important places in Songkhla were also burnt.

Meanwhile, in nearby Narathiwat, at least one person was killed and 10 were wounded in blasts at five karaoke bars in the border town of Sungai Kolok, police radio said. Local schools and mosques in Narathiwat were also burnt.

Almost at the same time, more than 10 bombs were triggered in nearby Yala Province. At least 23 people were wounded in and around Yala's provincial capital, according to a witness at the main hospital. Local officials ordered Yala residents to stay home to avoid more bomb attacks during night.

In Pattani, police Radio said Pattani's provincial capital fell dark after a bomb knocked out a power station.

Local reports said that five minutes after the blackout in the Pattani, teenagers on motorcycles, wearing black and white scarves, went on a rampage on streets. There were reportedly ambushes on government offices and several residences in many districts. One house was burnt down in Yaring district. One suspect was arrested in Sai Buri district.

Prachet Sukkeaw, the governor of local power authority, said the power supply will be resumed before Monday dawn.

Insurgents also shot police and military officials and blocked routes in the three southern provinces.

Initial details were sketchy. But Gen. Akon Tiperojn, director of public relations department of Thai Southern Military-Police Headquarters, said at least three were confirmed dead and more than 70 others were injured during the coordinated bombings and shootings.

Local police and military have set up dozens of check points in the southern area to hunt the suspects.

Source: Xinhua