Bombed Samila beach reopens

Local officials inspect the damaged mermaid on Samila beach in Songkhla province as it reopened to visitors on Thursday evening. (Photo by Assawin Pakkawan)

SONGKHLA: Samila beach has reopened, with repairs to the famed mermaid sculpture expected to be completed on Friday, following the two bomb explosions there on Wednesday night.

The popular beach in Muang district of this southern province was reopened to the public about 5pm on Thursday after bomb demolition squads completed a search of the area.

Local residents and tourists immediately rushed to the mermaid sculpture to see the damage for themselves and take photos.

The 52-year-old golden mermaid sitting combing her hair on a natural rock outcrop is the symbol of the beach and of Songkhla province. The explosion on Wednesday night severed the tail from her body

Local vendor Porntip Suwanno said she almost cried on seeing the damage because the sculpture had been there for a very long time and local people loved it. Some even thought it was real.

"Everyone who is on the beach, including tourists, admires the sculpture," she said.

Prasert Sukto, public works director of Songkhla municipality, said repairs would be finished on Friday.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit on Friday blamed the bombings on the Barisan Revolusi Nasional insurgent group and said that bombers came from Thepha district of Songkhla.

"We have clues and will nail them. The group came from Thepha. We link it to southern unrest. They want economic damage.

"It will not happen again. In fact, I ordered surveillance of the BRN," said Gen Prawit, who is also the defence minister.

He allayed safety concerns, saying he had ordered authorities to ensure tight security during the New Year holiday.

The two bombs that exploded on Samila beach on Wednesday night were followed by a few bomb explosions in Songkhla on Thursday.