BANGKOK (Aug 11, 2013): Suspected separatists blew up an eight-ton liquified petroleum gas tank in southern Thailand today, injuring at least one civilian.

Shortly after midnight, about six unidentified men broke into the Narat Petroelum Picnoc Gas Company in Narathiwat city, 750km south of Bangkok.

They tied up the security guard, opened the valves of the tank and exploded two homemade bombs to ignite the gas, officials said.

The set fire to a dozen nearby houses, injuring at least one woman.

Firemen were able to douse the blaze early today.

"The insurgents are taking whatever opportunity they can to create havoc," Internal Security Operations Command spokesman Col Pramote Phomin said.

The latest attack follows the apparent collapse of peace talks between the government and southern separatists.

Representatives the rebel group Barisan Revolusi Nasional called off peace talks last week until certain demands are met.

Observers criticised the talks that started earlier this year in Kuala Lumpur for lacking substance.

Many have raised doubts over whether the negotiators actually wield authority over fighters in the field. DPA

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