Seven explosions were reported late Saturday night and early Sunday morning in Thailand’s southern provinces of Satun and Phatthalung.

Police in Satun province reported that two minor explosions occurred near the provincial police HQ in Muang district late Saturday.  The first device, which was hidden in a garbage bin near the entrance of the police office, did not cause any damage but the second, which exploded about 15 minutes later, shattered the glass partitions of the inquiry and general affairs rooms.

After the explosions, police cordoned off the Satun Thani and Yatrasawat roads while police from the ordnance disposal unit searched the area to look for more explosive devices.

Shortly afterward, two more devices exploded in front of a grocery shop, also in Muang district.

Mr. Kongsakul Chanatharat, the Muang district chief officer, said he suspected the bomb blasts were the work of militants with the intent of causing unrest rather than to harm people.

The national police chief, Pol Gen Chaktip Chaijinda, ordered security to be increased in commercial and residential areaswhile vehicle checks have been intensified as a precautionary measure.

Although regarded as part of the restive Deep South, Satun province is relatively calm and peaceful, unlike the three other provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narawhiwat.  Satun is also a popular tourist destination famous for its unpolluted environment and pristine islands such as Tarutao and Lee Peh.

In Phatthalung province, three rare explosions were reported in Tambon Don Pradoo, Pak Payoon district at about 2am Sunday morning, but there were no casualties or serious property damage. Police say they are still investigating the incidents.