Insurgents strike over 70 locations across southern Thailand in coordinated arson, bomb attacks
A rail line was hit by explosives in Narathiwat, prompting the suspension of services in that section.
Suspected insurgents launched a series of coordinated arson attacks and bomb strikes across more than 70 locations in four southern Thai provinces over the weekend. At least three individuals were injured in the coordinated assaults, according to authorities. Since 2004, when the latest insurgency began, more than 7,800 people have lost their lives in the region bordering Malaysia.
The attacks targeted government buildings, shops, cars, utility poles, and a rail line in Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, and Songkhla provinces. No specific group has claimed responsibility for the assaults, which took place mainly on Saturday evening and some on Sunday. A rail suspension was enacted in Narathiwat following an explosion.
In response, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared a curfew in Narathiwat, urging security forces to maintain public safety. The predominantly Muslim and ethnic Malay deep south has experienced a long-standing insurgency seeking autonomy or independence since the region was incorporated into Thailand in 1909. Authorities had received intelligence two months prior about potential attacks on government buildings, shops, and power systems.
Lieutenant General Norathip Poinok, who commands the Thai army in the southern region, stated that the attacks were retaliation for crackdowns on insurgents and illicit businesses like drug and contraband trafficking funding militant groups. Thai officials have been attempting to resume peace talks with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional, the primary separatist group involved in the ongoing conflict.
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