[MYMcvBgl]

Intelligence reports warn that more bombings can be expected in the deep South and authorities might consider imposing the emergency decree in new areas in areas where the violence has worsened, Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa said Monday.

"The army has beefed up security in Songkhla's Hat Yai district and other areas because we have received reports that there might be more attacks," Gen Yutthasak said,.

Authorities had earlier warned people about possible attacks following a series of bomb blasts in Yala and Hat Yai on Saturday which killed at least 14 people.

He said police and soldiers on Saturday conducted a counter-insurgency exercise at the Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel in Hat Yai, but security measures had not been tightened.

"There has been more violence at the end of March and the beginning of April because the Krue Se and Tak Bai incidents happened around this time of year," the deputy prime minister said.

The Internal Security Operations Command, Region 4, had last week carried out an aggressive military offence, drawing strong resistance from the insurgents.

The proposal to extend the executive decree on public administration in emergency situations will be considered over the next two months because it could affect the people's state of mind, he said.

Gen Yutthasak said he would not yet scrutinise the performance of the Southern Border Provincial Administrative Centre director general, yet because he was only recently appointed and is working diligently.

"There is still a problem of unity of command in the area, and it needs to be addressed.

"From now on, the army has to help push and support the political sector and must have more strategies," the retired general said.