May 16, 2011
NARATHIWAT, Thailand (AFP) - A roadside bomb attack in the restive Thai south killed two Buddhist monks Monday as they travelled to collect their morning alms, police said.
The men were killed instantly by the blast in Yala province as they travelled in a pick-up truck, while two soldiers who were escorting them were seriously wounded, the police said.
Monks and teachers are often given military escorts in the troubled region.
The explosion followed three killings in the Thai south on Sunday: a suspected militant was killed in gun fight with security authorities, while another two men were shot dead in separate rebel attacks.
More than 4,500 people, both Muslims and Buddhists, have died in almost daily attacks since shadowy insurgents launched an uprising in Thailand's southernmost region in early 2004.
The attacks have become more brazen in recent months, including car bombs and assaults on military bases or outposts.
