[MYMcvBgl]

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday morning expressed deep regret to families of those killed and wounded in car bombs that hit Yala and Hat Yai district of Songkhla on Saturday.

She said Pol Gen Priewpan Damapong, the police chief, left for the South yesterday to inspect the scenes of the bomb blasts and coordinate work with provincial governors.

More police would be deployed at public places to provide security in coordination with military.

The deputy army chief would also travel to the South to work with the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre for investigation and layding down preventive measures.

Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit and Social Development and Human Security Minister Santi Prompat would leave for the troubled areas this afternoon to look after families of the killed and wounded.

Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa would this afternoon call a meeting of intelligence agencies.

When asked if the government had obtained information related to the two incidents and whether foreigners were involved, Ms Yingluck said she would rather not make any disclosure that could obstruct work of the authorities.

Democrat Party and opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Songkhla MP Sirichoke Sopha, and Democrat spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut left for Songkhla this morning to follow up the situation and visit relatives of the bomb victims.

Mr Abhisit said it was now time for the government to review it policy towards insurgency in the South to better cope with the situation which had become more violent.