SONGKHLA, Thailand – The southern province of Songkhla was on high alert Thursday (August 2nd) after intelligence agents warned that suspected separatists were plotting to attack its largest city, Hat Yai, local media reported.

Police put 300 officers on patrol in downtown Hat Yai and distributed posters of stolen vehicles that could be used in car bomb attacks, The Nation reported. The public was asked to report any suspicious activity.

Suspected insurgents used a stolen vehicle in a Tuesday car bomb attack on the upscale CS Pattani Hotel in Pattani province that injured at least three and caused a fire and blackouts.

Authorities said three leaders of the insurgent group Runda Kumpulan Kecil suspected in the March 31st car bombing at Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel in Hat Yai were plotting the fresh attack. They were named as Seri Waemamu, Luslan Baima and Jehma Wani, MCOT reported.

Security was also beefed up in the provincial seat of Songkhla.