Token bomb blasts in southern Thailand not politically motivated: deputy PM

BANGKOK, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Last weekend's token bomb blasts in southern Thailand were not politically motivated, according to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.

The deputy prime minister, who concurrently serves as defense minister, commented on Monday that the bombings at varied spots in Phatthalung and Satun provinces, about 850 and 985 km south of Bangkok respectively, were not politically motivated as earlier rumored during the run-up to the March 24 general election.

Prawit said the bomb attacks were believed to have primarily intended to resume unrest and to have been more or less connected with the separatist movement in the turbulent Deep South region.

No suspects have been arrested yet while the authorities have stepped up security measures in Phatthalung, Satun and neighboring southern provinces, following the bomb blasts.

No casualties were reported but property including a parked firefighting engine, automobiles and shop houses were slightly damaged during the blasts.

The suspects apparently used home-made bombs, several of which were planted during Sunday's pre-dawn hours, and rode motorcycles to quickly escape from the scenes.