Violence surged in Thailand’s southern provinces as insurgents executed coordinated attacks across three regions on the night of October 9. In Pattani, gunmen targeted two military bases, resulting in a significant skirmish. One officer from the Border Patrol Police (BPP) was killed while the assailants retreated. Explosive devices were later detonated near the sites, but fortunately, no further injuries occurred as officials responded swiftly.
The attacks in Pattani began around 11:45 PM, with militants ambushing a protection unit in Bang Pu. Following this, another assault targeted the special operations unit near a local temple, resulting in one officer critically injured who later succumbed to his wounds. Investigators revealed that the insurgents used strategic planning, dividing their forces for simultaneous assaults on both bases.
On the morning of October 10, while legal officials were clearing the first site for evidence collection, an explosive detonated, created serious damage but no casualties occurred as the area had been secured prior to the check. Authorities believe this was a deliberate setup by the attackers, as they planned the operation meticulously to disrupt stability in the region.
In Narathiwat, militants set fire to construction equipment and laid traps for officials. A series of incidents saw local machinery deliberately targeted, and while monitoring the area, a suspicious device detonated but resulted in no injuries, prompting police to halt all operations for security considerations. Additionally, arsonists targeted CCTV cameras in three villages, indicating a larger plan to disrupt local surveillance.
In Yala, gunmen raided a home and stole firearms, indicating a continuous attempt by insurgent groups to escalate violence through theft and intimidation. The group, comprising around ten masked men, made off with various weapons, further suggesting their intent to instigate tensions within the community.
The ongoing violence reflects a persistent security challenge in Thailand’s southern border provinces, necessitating increased vigilance from law enforcement and military units as insurgent attacks intensify.
Read all “Thai Rath newspaper columns” here
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
