Narathiwat: The South is in turmoil with 52 incidents across the three southern border provinces. The commander of the 4th Army Region points to drug and smuggling groups pooling resources to retaliate against the government.
According to Thai News Agency, a series of 52 incidents were reported in the three southern border provinces of Thailand, including Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. These included bombings, arson of office buildings, carjackings, shootings at a childcare center, and the burning of fire trucks and garbage trucks. Three civilians were injured. Meanwhile, the State Railway of Thailand announced the temporary closure of the Maruebo-Tanyongmas railway line after damage to the concrete railway sleepers was discovered due to an explosion.
The violent incidents include arson at the Ra-ngae Subdistrict Administrative Organization office, the theft of a pickup truck, and bombings of mobile phone towers, convenience stores, a wood factory, and power poles. Most recently, perpetrators stormed the Pho Ming Subdistrict Municipality office in Panare District, Pattani Province, tying up security guards before setting fire to a garbage truck and a fire truck, followed by two explosions. Security forces are currently gathering evidence and pursuing the perpetrators.
Lieutenant General Norathip Poynok, Commander of the 4th Army Region, visited the injured and stated that this wave of attacks was aimed at discrediting the work of government officials. This follows a recent intensified crackdown on drug trafficking, including the seizure of 2,000,000 smuggled cigarettes and 18 million baht in cash in Yarang District. It is estimated that the illegal trafficking rings and drug networks, having lost significant profits, have pooled resources to hire insurgent groups to retaliate against the authorities.
Following this, the 4th Army Region and security agencies will intensify security measures at high-risk areas and continue to suppress illegal activities and drug trafficking networks, which are the main source of funding for insurgent groups, in order to restore peace and reassure the people in the southern border region.