Pattani: 'Thawee' visits Pattani to inspect disruptive incidents at convenience stores, pointing out that the insurgency, with over a hundred locations targeted, aims to undermine the economy and urges the government to be open to listening to the people in the area. Authorities point to disruptive movements at over a hundred locations aiming to undermine the economy and urge the government to listen to local residents.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, leader of the Prachachart Party, visited the area to offer support to the public and inspect the damage to the 7-Eleven convenience store in Bang Pu after a group of assailants set fire to over 90 locations in the south. The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPC) is coordinating with insurance companies to assess compensation within one month. Meanwhile, Tawee stated that the incident has undermined public confidence and urged a review of approaches to resolving security issues.
On August 24, 2026, Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, a Member of Parliament (list system) and leader of the Prachachart Party, in his capacity as an advisor to the House Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights, led a delegation to visit the 7-Eleven store in Bang Pu Village, Moo 3, Bang Pu Subdistrict, Yaharing District, Pattani Province. This location was one of the sites attacked by a group of armed assailants who drove out civilians and then set fire to the store on the night of August 22. The atmosphere remained one of shock among the residents, who were attempting to resume their normal lives. Meanwhile, local leaders and officials continued to closely monitor the situation.
Pol. Col. Tawee revealed that, according to information from the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), there were over 51 incidents, and if the burning of tires is included, the number could reach almost 100. It is estimated that at least 500 people were involved in this operation, and the circumstances clearly indicate that it was an organized crime group.
"The goal is to destroy the economy and property of the people, which has a significant impact because we hope for outsiders to come in to develop, but no one dares to come in for fear of security. The economy that survives today is because the people in the area have risen up and fought. The key philosophy is that the people of the southern border provinces must be allowed to solve their own problems," Pol. Col. Tawee stated.
Damage assessment: The insurance team has already assessed the properties on-site. The results and compensation details are expected within one month. Government compensation from the insurance company will be additional to the rights and assistance provided by the government according to established guidelines. Integrated recovery efforts: The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPC) will expedite coordination with government and private sector agencies to enable businesses to reopen as soon as possible.
Pol. Col. Tawee said that he didn't want to blame anyone specifically, but in the bigger picture for the country, this incident has eroded public trust.
"Solving problems shouldn't be confined to a single agency. If things haven't improved despite our consistent efforts, we need to be open to listening to others. The solution lies in finding ways to bring all sectors, especially those with differing opinions, together to discuss what type of area management is most suitable. Focusing solely on security isn't enough; it must also encompass the security of the people."
Following his visit to Pattani Province, Pol. Col. Tawee also traveled to the scene of the incidents in Panare District, Sai Buri District, and Narathiwat Province to continuously monitor the situation.