{{B}} Bomb Explosions in Thailand{{/B}}
The new year celebration in Thailand was shattered by violence, when nine bombs exploded across Bangkok around midnight. Three Thai citizens were killed and more than 30 injured.
Among the injured, six were foreigners. No Chinese casualties were reported, the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, the capital, said on Monday. {{U}}(46) {{/U}} But other embassies have advised their citizens to avoid traveling to Bangkok. "There is a possibility of further attacks in coming days," said a travel advisory (公告) from Australia. "Australians are urged to avoid unnecessary travel in Bangkok."
No terrorist group claimed responsibility for the bombings by Tuesday. {{U}}(47) {{/U}} Bombings and shootings occur almost daily in Thailand's three southernmost provinces. Yala, Naarathiwat and Pattani have a dominant Muslim population and have long complained of neglect (忽视) and discrimination (歧视) in the largely Buddhist (佛教徒的) nation. They have asked for independence and a separate Islamic (伊斯兰的) state. Since 2004, the insurgents (叛乱者) have carried out numerous attacks in the south and more than 1,900 people have been killed. {{U}}(48) {{/U}}
But Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said on Monday that domestic politics rather than the Muslim insurgency was behind the bombings. "It is likely related to people who lost their political benefits," Surayud said, referring to Thaksin Shinawatra.
{{U}} (49) {{/U}} Surayud was later appointed interim (临时的) prime minister. Thaksin, however, still enjoys widespread support, especially in the countryside.
{{U}} (50) {{/U}} Thaksin's lawyer, Noppadol Patama, denied his client's involvement in the bombings, according to a local website.
A Some believe the explosions were the work of Muslim separatists.
B Some believe that several senior army officers loyal to Thaksin plotted the bombings with ousted (赶下台) politicians to discredit (败坏名声) the government.
C Thaksin was ousted in a military coup (政变) last September.
D The Thai Government has been unable to control the violence, though thousands of troops have been sent to the south.
E The embassy issued no travel warnings.
F Nobody is to blame.