Security authorities reported at least 32 incidents of unrest across Thailand’s three southern border provinces on Saturday night, prompting the military to impose a curfew and increase patrols and security measures.
The Forward Coordination Centre 4 said the incidents were reported as of 9.42pm on August 22 and involved explosions, gunfire, arson and damage to property.
Initial reports put the number of incidents at 14 in Yala, 13 in Narathiwat and five in Pattani, with Yala recording the highest number.
In Yala, incidents were reported in Raman, Bannang Sata, Than To and Lam Mai districts.
In Raman, tyres were set on fire at two locations. In Bannang Sata, motorcycle tyres were burned at five locations, while a CCTV camera and a telecommunications signal tower were also set alight.
In Than To, an administrative organisation vehicle and telecommunications signal towers were burned at several locations.
Another vehicle belonging to a sub-district administrative organisation was also set on fire.
In Lam Mai, tyres were burned and road spikes were scattered in front of a Bangchak petrol station.
Initial reports said that two female civilians were injured by bomb shrapnel. They are being treated in hospital and are safe.
Narathiwat recorded 13 incidents in Rangae, Cho Airong, Yi-ngo, Waeng, Tak Bai and Bacho districts, including an explosion and gunfire targeting a child development centre in Rangae district, the burning of a sub-district administrative organisation office and the theft of a Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck.
A curfew was imposed last night and will remain in effect until 6am this morning.
Tyres, a backhoe and other property were also set on fire at several locations. In Cho Airong, tyres were burned at two locations and a DTAC utility pole was blown up.
Arson was reported along Highway 42 in Yi-ngo district, while tyres were burned and gunshots were fired in Waeng district.
Two attacks involving improvised explosive devices were reported in Tak Bai district, while a car tyre was burned in Bacho district.
Pattani recorded five incidents in Yarang, Yaring and Nong Chik districts.
A garbage truck belonging to a sub-district administrative organisation was set on fire in Yarang, while tyres were burned along Highway 410.
In Yaring, gunfire was reported and a suspicious object was placed along Highway 42 near the Bang Pu intersection.
A convenience store in Bang Pu was also hit by an explosion.
Photo by NBT Yala
In Nong Chik, a fire engine belonging to Bang Khao Sub-district Administrative Organisation was set on fire.
Following the incidents, security units in the affected areas have stepped up surveillance and patrols, with a focus on checking roads and high-risk locations. Authorities say they are closely monitoring the situation, working to reassure residents and ensure their safety.
Members of the public are advised to stay home and cooperate with authorities in the performance of their duties. They are also advised to report any suspicious people or objects to the authorities by calling hotlines 1341 or 191 and to refrain from sharing images, video clips or information about the positions of security forces on social media.
