Thai bomb disposal expert survives car blast

A car bomb explodes as a member of a Thai bomb squad was inspecting it in Narathiwat province, south of Bangkok.

The officer, who was wearing a protective suit, was attempting to open the front passenger door of the parked car when the bomb exploded.

Authorities arrived at the scene after receiving a tip-off about the abandoned car, which was left in a no-parking zone.

The bomb disposal expert despite being lawn away nearly 10-meters by the explosion, picked himself up and walked away. He was treated for minor injuries.

Authorities said the bomb was triggered by remote from someone near the scene.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks so far, but the incident was believed to be linked to Muslim militants.

There has been a recent increase in the number and scale of attacks with Muslim villagers, soldiers and police among the victims of roadside blasts and ambushes.

Ethnic Malay Muslims, represent the majority of the population in the southernmost provinces of predominantly Buddhist Thailand, have long complained of discrimination, especially in education and job opportunities.

Bangkoks Fish Massage Nibble On Despite Health Fears

Spa-goers in Thailand are sidestepping potential health issues to wallow in tanks filled with flesh-eating fish

Rather than razor-toothed piranhas, the fish are tiddlers that simply suck up dead skin -- but officials in Thailand and around the world have warned that blood in the spas' pools could pose serious hygiene problems.

However customers are continuing to patronize the fish spas, shrugging off any talk of danger.

Some fish spa fans stricken with gout, psoriasis, eczema, bunions and other ailments have insisted the fish cured them, giving rise to widespread debate and online first-person testimonies about the treatment's benefits and dangers.

Most establishments throughout the world use toothless Garra Rufa, also known as "doctor fish," though some places describe their fish as toothless carp or Cyprinion Macrostomus.

Earlier this month, Thailand's Public Health Ministry advised people who have injuries on their skin not to use fish spas.