YALA: About 500 people on Tuesday gathered in a peace rally at a major market in Muang district where a motorcycle bomb exploded on Monday with deadly effect.
Local residents were joined by provincial officials in the demonstration at the popular Pimolchai fresh market, locally known as Rod Fai market, with banners condemning the violence, which killed three people and injured 34 others.
- Earlier report: Blast at Yala market leaves three civilians dead
They gave flowers to vendors and stood in silence in memory of the people who died in the most lethal explosion in the southern city in years.
National Security Council secretary-general Gen Wallop Raksanoh said in Bangkok that civilians were clearly the target. The attack would not derail attempts to get peace talks back on line with insurgent groups in the far South.
The bomb was hidden on a motorcycle that was parked by a pork vendor's stall and exploded shortly after the rider hurried off.
Security cameras filmed two suspects but Yala police chief Pol Maj Gen Kritsada Kaewchandee admitted investigators had their work cut out because they were wearing a full-face crash helmet.
At least two people were involved, with one designating the place for the rider to park the bike, he said.
