Narathiwat: Investigators are intensively gathering evidence to identify those responsible for a series of bombings at 11 gas stations across three southern border provinces. Authorities discovered bloodstains and footprints at the scenes, indicating that some attackers might have sustained injuries.
According to Thai News Agency, the coordinated attacks occurred late at night, targeting PTT gas stations in Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani provinces. Officials, including police, military, and forensic teams, conducted thorough examinations of the five damaged sites the following morning. The first site, located in Pasemas Subdistrict, Suan Luang District, revealed unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs) crafted from fire extinguishers and timed to detonate at intervals, causing significant damage and scattering debris.
CCTV footage captured four armed suspects, clad in black, placing IEDs at strategic locations before fleeing. Shortly after, another group launched a pipe bomb near a police station to hinder reinforcement efforts. At the Waeng District site, similar IEDs caused extensive damage and a fire that consumed the station building.
At the third location in Ban Khok, Cho Airong District, IEDs damaged fuel dispensers and led to the collapse of the gas station and convenience store roofs. Officials found bloodstains and footprints, suggesting injuries among the attackers. Authorities are coordinating with medical facilities to trace any insurgents seeking treatment.
An inspection at the Tanyongmas Subdistrict site revealed that IEDs injured Pol. Lt. Prasit Bamrung and his team. CCTV footage showed 4 to 5 perpetrators involved in the attack. In Dusongnyo Subdistrict, Chanae District, similar IEDs were placed, further indicating the coordinated nature of the attacks.
The gathered evidence suggests these simultaneous attacks aimed to disrupt the economy in the three southern border provinces.