51 coordinated attacks occur in southern Thailand, two people injured

Fifty-one coordinated arson attacks and attacks involving incendiary devices occurred in Thailand’s southern border provinces on the evening of August 22. According to Channel NewsAsia, two civilians were injured, while the largest number of incidents was recorded in Narathiwat province.

Arson attacks and curfew

Thailand’s Internal Security Operations Command said the incidents lasted from approximately 8:00 p.m. until midnight. According to the military, the coordinated actions were aimed at creating unrest in the southern border provinces.

During the attacks, a local government building, a 7-Eleven store and a stolen vehicle were set on fire. Authorities also inspected incident sites near telecommunications towers and power line poles.

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During one of the attacks, a vehicle was stolen from the building of a subdistrict administrative organization in Narathiwat. The burned-out pickup truck was later found abandoned on a road. Narathiwat military command imposed a curfew from Saturday evening until 6:00 a.m. on Sunday. No new attacks were reported on the morning of August 23.

Tensions in the region

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the series of attacks. A conflict has been ongoing in Thailand’s southernmost provinces since 2004, with insurgents in the Muslim-majority region seeking greater autonomy. More than 7,000 people have been killed in violence during that time.

Last month, attackers killed five soldiers in a shooting and explosion at a checkpoint in Narathiwat. Next week, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, together with government members, plans a two-day visit to the city of Hat Yai in Songkhla province, where they will discuss investment projects, flood prevention and security issues.