More than 50 coordinated arson and incendiary attacks aimed at creating unrest were carried out across Thailand’s insurgency-hit southern provinces, according to the country’s military.
Two people were injured in the attacks, which targeted a local government office, a convenience store and a stolen vehicle, among other locations. Thailand’s Internal Security Operations Command said the incidents occurred between 20:00 local time (13:00 GMT) and midnight on Saturday across the southern border provinces. Most of the attacks were reported in Narathiwat, while others took place in neighbouring Yala and Pattani.
The Bangkok Post reported that two women were injured when a bomb exploded in Muang district of Narathiwat. Several telecommunications towers were also set on fire, while security officials warned residents not to approach or touch suspicious objects. Authorities imposed an overnight curfew in Narathiwat, which was lifted on Sunday morning. No additional attacks had been reported by Sunday. No group has claimed responsibility for the coordinated arson attacks.
Thailand’s southernmost provinces have faced a long-running insurgency since 2004. The conflict is rooted in tensions between the Buddhist-majority Thai state and the Muslim-majority population of the southern border region, where rebels have sought greater autonomy. More than 7,000 people have been killed in the violence. The insurgency is primarily led by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).
Peace talks facilitated by Malaysia began in 2013 but have repeatedly stalled amid changes of government in Bangkok and internal divisions within both sides of the conflict. In July, five soldiers were killed in a gun and bomb attack at a checkpoint in Narathiwat, prompting authorities to postpone a planned dialogue process.
Thai media have reported that insurgents frequently target security personnel and government buildings, sometimes ahead of visits by senior officials to the region. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and members of his cabinet are scheduled to visit Hat Yai in southern Songkhla province next week for a two-day trip. The delegation is expected to discuss investment projects, flood prevention and security issues.