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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 27852, member: 2262"] Malaysia told its people to stay away from southern Thailand after bombs and gunfire killed five people and hurt thirteen others last weekend. The attacks happened in areas where mostly Muslim ethnic Malays live within Thailand, which has a Buddhist majority. Since 2004, fighting has claimed over 7,300 lives as rebels seek independence from Thailand. Armed men shot at a government building and blew up a car in Narathiwat's border town, Sungai Kolok, killing two security workers. Nearby in Pattani, another explosion killed three more people, including a ranger and two government officials. The Malaysian government strongly urged its citizens on Sunday to delay any trips that weren't necessary. Almost five million Malaysians visited Thailand last year, making them the second largest group of tourists after Chinese visitors. These Malaysian travelers represent a significant portion of the 35.5 million total visitors. Narathiwat Governor Trakul Thotham reported beefed-up security across the region following these attacks. He mentioned that Malaysian tourists remained in the area despite the violence. The governor expected some short-term problems for tourism but noted that violent events like these hadn't occurred for around four or five years in the troubled border region. The area attracts many Malaysian tourists who cross the border for shopping, food, and entertainment. Recent events marked a troubling return to violence in provinces that have struggled with decades of separatist activity. Local businesses will likely face reduced income as travelers follow their government's advice to avoid the region until safety improves. Border towns depend heavily on visitors from Malaysia for their economic survival. [/QUOTE]

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