Two bombs have exploded in southern Thailand during a visit by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, killing one person.

The first blast occurred in the city of Yala, around 100 metres away from the place where Mr Abhisit was later to open a road. A second more powerful bomb went off two kilometres further on. Police say they have dismantled a third device.

During a six-year insurgency by Islamic and separatist rebels in southern Thailand, more than 4000 people have lost their lives. In a speech Mr Abhisit said he wants to freeze and in future reduce troop numbers in the region. He said stationing a large force in the region was not the way to achieve peace.

Photo: Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva ( Flickr / World Economic Forum)