Deadly bomb blast at Thailand resort kills four with two Brits feared among 35 injured

FOUR people are dead and two Brits are feared among at least 35 injured after nine bomb blasts ripped through popular resorts in Thailand.

By Joshua Nevett & George Clarke                                  

Reports of blasts across the southern half of Thailand have been reported including the popular tourist resorts of Patong on the island of Phuket and Phang Nga.

Two blasts took place in Surat Thani and one in Trang happened in front of police stations.

Two have died after four bomb blasts in Hua Hin, where the first blasts took place.

Huge numbers of foreign tourists were caught up in the Hua Hin incident, which reportedly injured at least 35 and left some in a critical condition.

One female market trader died in hopsital following the attack.

There are reports that two British women in their 20s are among those injured along with two Dutch nationals and a young German girl.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office told Daily Star Online: "We are seeking further information following an incident in Hua Hin resort in Thailand.

"We stand ready to provide assistance to any British nationals involved."

TREATMENT: Scenes from the emergency room after the twin bomb blast

Edwin Wiek, who was apparently at the scene, wrote on Twitter: "#Huahin #Bomb total 23 injured, 1 dead. At least 9 foreigner under the injured."

He added that one foreign man with his wife and child was "badly injured", with bones sticking out of his legs, according to local eye-witnesses.

He also posted a picture of the scattered remains of a telephone apparently used to detonate the bombs.

It is understood two motorbikes were involved in the attack. 

BLAST: One woman was killed after two bombs went off at the seaside resort

REMAINS: Police have circled the device apparently used to detonate the bombs

No group has officially claimed responsibility.

There are reports among the Thai media that the blasts were carried out by militants from southern Thailand's seperatist population.

Southern Thailand has a large Muslim population – around 30% – with many keen to establish an independent state built on Islam and Buddhism.

Islamist bombing attacks are commonplace having plighted the region for more than 12 years, although it is rare that tourists would be targetted. 

Thailand police have cordonded off the site of the explosions while evidence is collected. 

Pictures have emerged of casualties, some dressed in western-style clothes, being treated at a local hospital.

The BBC's Jonathan Head tweeted: "Police in Hua Hin say 2 motorbike bombs injured 11 ppl, some seriously, some foreigners. 1 bomb followed by 2nd; similar to south insurgents."

HORROR: Medics treat those injured in the blast

PROBE: Cops inspecting the scene following the bomb atack

However, according to the BBC bomb attacks are rare in tourist resorts.

More than 20 people were killed and 125 injured in a bomb stike inside the Erawan Shrine in August 2015. 

A number of bomb attacks in Southern Thailand — including Yala, Yala Province and Hat Yai, Songkhla Province — were also linked to Islamist sepratists. 

 

LOCATION: The twin blast happened at Hua Hin near Bangkok, an area is popular with Westerners

BLAST: The resort is said to be in lockdown after the bombings

The resort was made famous by Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reportedly lived in the area. 

It comes almost a year after a deadly bomb attack rocked Bangkok, killing 22 people.

Police claimed the bomber was working as part of a network of at least 10 bombers.