BANGKOK, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Two policemen were wounded severely after a bomb exploded Friday morning in Nong Chik district of southernmost Thai province of Pattani when they were escorting a group of school teachers.

According to local media Khaosod, local police got reported about the explosion at about 7:55 a.m. local time, the two policemen are now being treated in Pattani Hospital.

Authorities do not know yet who placed the bomb, an improvised explosive device, there, but believe it aimed to create chaos in the province.

Pattani, along with Yala and Narathiwat, are the three southernmost provinces that were haunted by gun attacks and bombings launched by separatist insurgents. More than 7,000 people have been killed since 2004.?