Arson attacks and bombings have occurred in southern Thailand

Suspected insurgents set fire to government buildings, shops, cars and electricity poles at more than 70 locations in Thailand’s four southernmost provinces over the weekend, injuring at least three people in a coordinated series of arson attacks, authorities said, UNN reports, citing Reuters.

Details

At least 78 incidents occurred in the four provinces: 40 in Narathiwat, 21 in Yala, 15 in Pattani and two in Songkhla. No group claimed responsibility.

Most of the attacks took place on Saturday evening in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and parts of Songkhla, with several more on Sunday.

A railway track in Narathiwat was blown up with explosives, resulting in the suspension of transport services along that section.

Authorities imposed a curfew in Narathiwat, while at a meeting on Sunday, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urged security forces to ensure public safety.

Thailand’s predominantly Muslim and ethnically Malay south has reportedly faced a long-running insurgency seeking greater autonomy or independence. The region was part of the independent Malay Sultanate of Patani until its official incorporation into Thailand in 1909.

The attacks come as Thailand seeks to resume peace talks with the BRN, the main separatist group fighting in the region.

Chief negotiator Thanut Suwannarong told Reuters this month that Bangkok wants to go beyond trade-offs aimed at reducing violence and address political issues, including governance.

Peace talks facilitated by Malaysia have repeatedly reached an impasse since they began in 2013.

Lieutenant General Norathip Poynok, who commands the Thai army in the southern region, told local media on Monday that authorities had received intelligence nearly two months ago warning of attacks on government buildings, shops and energy infrastructure.

Norathip called the attacks retaliation for crackdowns on insurgents and illegal businesses, including drug trafficking and smuggling, which finance militant groups.

Supplement

More than 7,800 people have reportedly been killed in the provinces bordering Malaysia since 2004, when the latest round of a long-running insurgency, led primarily by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), erupted.