Insurgents launch attacks across southern Thai

Insurgents have launched attacks across southern Thailand, wounding at least 13. This was as the Thai Prime Minister hosted his Malaysian counterpart at a ceremony in the region to mark bilateral relations.

Two leaders met to rename a bridge that links the two countries. Local media reported three soldiers hurt in a bomb blast in Yala province after they went to investigate reports of insurgent activity. All were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

In Narathiwat, insurgents used banners to lure soldiers within range of a bomb, though no one was hurt. The three southernmost Thai provinces of Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani have Muslim majorities and insurgents have been waging a campaign for several years in a renewed bid for independence from Thailand.

Thai police surround a militant killed in an ambush in Thailand's  southern restive province of Narathiwat. Two soldiers and one  militant were killed in a clash in Thailand's restive south  Tuesday as security forces were preparing for a visit by the  Malaysian and Thai leaders, police said.(AFP/Madaree Tohlala)