Dozens of co-ordinated arson attacks hit southern Thailand

Southern Thailand was hit by a wave of over 50 coordinated arson and incendiary attacks on Saturday night, according to the Thai military’s Internal Security Operations Command. The perpetrators specifically targeted locations “aimed at creating unrest” across the insurgency-plagued region.

The wave of attacks, which took place between 8 PM and midnight local time, predominantly occurred in Narathiwat province, with neighboring Yala and Pattani also reporting incidents. Among the targets were a local government office, a convenience store, and a stolen vehicle, all set ablaze.

Two women sustained injuries from a bomb blast in the Muang district of Narathiwat. Telecommunication towers were also set on fire in multiple locations, prompting security officials to warn residents about suspicious objects. Authorities briefly imposed an overnight curfew in Narathiwat.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks. This region has experienced a protracted conflict since 2004, with a low-level insurgency led primarily by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional, seeking greater autonomy for the Muslim-majority area. The violence has resulted in over 7,000 deaths.

Peace talks, facilitated by Malaysia since 2013, have repeatedly stalled due to political instability and internal divisions. Most recently, five soldiers were killed in an attack in Narathiwat in July, leading to the postponement of planned dialogue.

Thai media notes that insurgents frequently target security personnel and government facilities, sometimes preceding visits by officials. The latest attacks come ahead of a planned visit by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to the southern city of Hat Yai to discuss investment, flood prevention, and security matters.

Source: Nile Post