Safe to travel to Songkhla and Pattani from Hat Yai?

[Centrals]

The Central Mosque of Pattani reminds me of where I am in the Kingdom.

 

[Centrals]

Lots of unmanned check point and road block around Narathiwat
and sometimes with armoured vehicle parking nearby. Only saw three soldiers in black uniform once.
Songkhla is far more relax and Thais were drinking Chang/Leo outside local stores!
I will leave out Phattalung and Trang.

Anyone who has time after diving Lipe may consider Hat Yai or Songkhla for a bit of sight seeing.
Temporary army installation is not everyone cup of tea on vacation.

 

[Centrals]

Koh Libong and Koh Mook(Muk) in Trang province to spot the endangered dugong.