2008年英语专业四级:新闻1

The New Year celebration in Thailand was shattered by violence when nine bombs exploded across Bangkok around midnight Three Thai citizens were killed and more than 30 injured. No terrorist group claimed responsibility for the bombings by Tuesday. Some believe the explosions were the work of Muslim separatists. Bombings and shootings occur almost daily in Thailand's three Southern-most provinces. Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani have a dominant Muslim population and have long complained of neglect and discrimination in the largely Buddhist nation. They have asked for independence and a separate Islamic State. Since 2004, the insurgents have carried out numerous attacks in the south and more than 1,900 people have been killed The Thai government has been unable to curb the violence though thousands of troops have been sent to the south.