The bombings targeted hotels, karaoke bars, power grids and commercial sites in the country's south. Two schools were torched.

Police said three Thais of Chinese descent were also gunned down in Pattani province in what was believed to be the act of insurgents.

Violence in the south has been escalating in recent months despite a major policy shift by the military-imposed government, which is trying to replace an earlier, iron-fisted approach in dealing with the rebels with a "hearts and minds" campaign.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 24, 2007
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