Three car bombs exploded in a downtown area of Yala city in southern Thailand's Yala Province on Saturday, killing at least 11 people and injuring 110 others.

The scene of the bomb blasts (Source: AFP)

Authorities suspect the attacks were launched by Muslim insurgents who have waged a war for independence against the Thai government since 2004. The police said the three explosions occurred around noon within a 100-meter radius while residents were out for lunch and shopping. The blasts badly damaged commercial buildings in the area and many vehicles. Meanwhile, an explosion hit a hotel and department store complex in Hat Yai city in southern Thailand's Songkhla Province also around noon Saturday, leaving five people dead and at least 300 others injured.