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 reposed, the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, the capital, said on
Monday. {{U}} {{U}} 1 {{/U}} {{/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}}
{{U}} 2 {{/U}} {{/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}} {{U}} 3 {{/U}} {{/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}} {{U}} 4 {{/U}} {{/U}}Surayud
was later appointed interim (临时的) prime minister. Thaksin, however, still enjoys
widespread support, especially in the countryside. {{U}}
{{U}} 5 {{/U}} {{/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.