Police hit by south Thailand bomb

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Four Thai police officers have been injured in a roadside bomb attack in the restive south of the country.

The officers were hurt while checking security in the southern province of Pattani ahead of a visit to a mosque by Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn.

It is the first violence in Thailand since a Tuesday's coup which overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

But the blast is just the latest in the south, where more than 1,500 people have been killed since January 2004.

Optimism

Officials blame Muslim insurgents for much of the unrest in the southern provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala, although criminal gangs are also thought to be behind some of the attacks.

Ousted leader Mr Thaksin, who imposed emergency rule in the majority-Muslim provinces in 2005, was often accused of mishandling the crisis.

TROUBLED SOUTH Home to most of Thailand's 4% Muslim minority Muslim rebels fought the government up to the mid-80s Suspected militants have upped attacks this year, targeting BuddhistsSecurity forces' response criticised by rights groups <a href="/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3955543.stm" class="">Thailand's restive south</a> <a href="/1/hi/in_depth/photo_gallery/3981723.stm" class="">In pictures: Daily life</a>

Correspondents say that the coup had brought some optimism that the situation might change - it is being led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the first Muslim to lead the Thai army.

In the past, Gen Sonthi has offered to hold peace talks with the south's Islamic separatists.

Gen Sonthi has said he will resign from power in two weeks, and hand over to an interim premier until new elections are held in October 2007.

Among those being considered for the post are Supachai Panitchpakdi, chairman of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, and Pridiyathorn Devakula, the head of the central bank.

The coup followed months of growing tension in Thailand, with protests against Mr Thaksin and a general election which was annulled due to concerns about its legitimacy.

Gen Sonthi has said he was acting in line with the wishes of the Thai people, accusing the old government of corruption and fostering divisions in the country.