Samila Beach in Thailand is a popular tourist beach. Last night two bombs rocked the popular Samila Beach, causing damage to the famous Golden Mermaid Statue and the Cat and Mouse Sculpture. Tourists from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore visit Samila Beach.
Alongside these statues is another, much-revered statue depicting Mae Thorani as a mermaid, the statue is an iconic symbol of Songkhla and has become a shrine to locals who believe it has the ability to bring them good fortune. It is easily accessible via Hat Yai-Songkhla buses
Samila beach and nearby roads in Songkhla’s Muang district were closed to the public. On Thursday after two bombs exploded overnight, three more bombs were found on the beach. No casualties were reported.
The explosions were reported at about 10.30pm on Wednesday but security authorities did not inspect the beach until Thursday morning, for fear of being attacked.
Authorities believed the bombs were placed on the beach on Wednesday night after all tourists had left.
Songkhla governor Weeranant Pengjan saw the bombing as symbolic and aimed at shaking public confidence. He ordered maximum security measures throughout the province, especially in Hat Yai district, where New Year countdowns and celebrations are planned.
Security sources blamed the bombings on the Barisan Revolusi Nasional insurgent groups. They said its leaders had met at a school in Chana district and local authorities had been alerted to a possible attack in the area.
The bombings at the two statues were clearly aimed at the tourism sector.
Tourism Authority of Thailand has not yet commented.
