An elderly monk out on alms-round early this morning was injured in his foot by the bombing in Surat Thani.

From yesterday afternoon until this morning, suspected terrorists detonated 11 bombs in Southern Thailand within 24 hours, killing 4 people and injuring dozens more.  The bombing seemed to target mainly tourist centres of Hua Hin, Phuket, Phang-Nga, Surat Thani, and Trang.

No doubt the intention of this latest demonstration of senseless violence was to cause widespread panic and fear amongst tourists and disrupt the lives of Thai people.  But let us remain undaunted by this cowardly display.  National authorities and international agencies must work closely together to thwart all terrorist acts anywhere in the world.

The 11 bombs hit five southern Thai provinces popular with tourists.

We offer our deepest condolences to those killed in these incidents, and pray for the speedy recovery of all injured bystanders.  We stand in solidarity with our friends in Thailand in this latest test of their collective will.  Stay strong!

Emergency personnel in Hua Hin taking a bombing victim to the hospital.