Arson and bomb attacks hit Thailand's deep south, authorities say
Suspected insurgents set fire to government buildings, shops, cars and utility poles in more than 70 locations across four of Thailand's southernmost provinces over the weekend, injuring at least three people in a coordinated series of arson attacks, authorities said.
Suspected insurgents ignited arson attacks on government structures, businesses, vehicles and utility poles in over 70 locations throughout four southernmost Thai provinces over the weekend, causing at least three injuries, authorities have reported. Since 2004, when a prolonged insurgency primarily orchestrated by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) began, more than 7,800 individuals have been killed in bordering Malaysian provinces.
No specific group has taken responsibility for the attacks. The majority of the incidents occurred on Saturday evening, with a few more on Sunday. A rail line in Narathiwat was hit with explosives, leading to the suspension of services on that track. A curfew has been enforced in Narathiwat, and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul convened a meeting on Sunday to urge security forces to maintain public safety.
The predominantly Muslim and ethnic Malay deep south region has witnessed a decades-long insurgency seeking greater autonomy or independence, having been part of the independent Malay sultanate of Patani prior to its formal integration into Thailand in 1909. The attacks come amid Thailand's efforts to revive peace negotiations with the BRN, the principal separatist faction involved in the region.
Thanut Suvarnananda, the chief negotiator for Bangkok, expressed a desire to transcend exchanging concessions for diminished violence and instead address political grievances, including governance matters. Malaysian-mediated peace talks have repeatedly faltered since their inception in 2013. Lieutenant General Norathip Poinok, in charge of the Thai army in the southern region, informed local media that authorities had been notified nearly two months ago of intelligence indicating the likelihood of attacks on government buildings, shops, and power infrastructure.
Norathip characterized the attacks as retribution for crackdowns on insurgents and illicit enterprises, such as drug and contraband trafficking, that finance militant groups.
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