Thailand's Narathiwat and Pattani were rocked by a series of violent insurgent attacks on Saturday night, leaving three people dead and at least 13 injured. Gunmen and bombers struck multiple locations, with Sungai Kolok, a key border city, descending into chaos. Thai authorities have placed the region on high alert, while Malaysia has tightened border security in response, report Bangkok Post, The Star.
The first attack unfolded at 7:10 p.m. in Sungai Kolok, when a pickup truck carrying armed men in black Islamic Dawah clothing stopped outside the district office. The assailants dismounted, hurled explosives at the building, and opened fire on security volunteers before fleeing. They also detonated car and motorcycle bombs outside the compound.
The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) reported that two defence volunteers were killed, while at least 11 others, including three civilians, were wounded. As the attackers escaped, they scattered what appeared to be explosive devices along the road to deter pursuit.
Minutes later, more blasts shook the city. A bomb exploded near the railway tracks at 7:28 p.m., followed by another outside a Big C retail mall two minutes later. Authorities have yet to disclose further details on the devices used.
In the wake of the chaos, officials urged residents to stay indoors, while Narathiwat’s Public Relations Office called for urgent blood donations to aid the wounded. Roads around the district office and bombing sites remained closed Sunday for security operations.
Elsewhere in Narathiwat, a bomb damaged power poles in Sungai Padi district at 7:52 p.m. Another explosive device, planted at a pole in Waeng district, was discovered but failed to detonate. No injuries were reported in these incidents.
The violence extended into neighbouring Pattani province, where insurgents ambushed a security patrol in Sai Buri district. Initial gunfire caused no casualties, but moments later, a bomb exploded, killing one ranger and injuring two local officials.
The attacks come during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and follow a February 23 visit by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. Thaksin, serving as an adviser to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, expressed optimism over peace efforts in the region.
Following the attacks, Malaysia’s police force has heightened security along its border with Thailand. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed that the General Operations Force (GOF) has been placed on high alert to prevent insurgents from crossing into Malaysia.
“In addition, the Strike Force Company and Battalion Intelligence teams have been ordered to intensify patrols at illegal crossing points and high-risk areas along Sungai Golok,” he told Bernama on Sunday.
With southern Thailand now on edge, security forces are under pressure to restore stability and prevent further bloodshed.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
