Key facts
- More than 70 coordinated arson attacks occurred across four of Thailand's southernmost provinces over the weekend.
- At least three people were injured in the incidents.
- Targets included government buildings, shops, cars, utility poles, and a rail line.
- No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
- The attacks come as Thailand seeks to revive peace talks with the main separatist group, BRN.
Suspected insurgents carried out more than 70 coordinated arson and bomb attacks across four of Thailand's southernmost provinces over the weekend, injuring at least three people. The targets included government buildings, shops, cars, utility poles, and a rail line. The attacks occurred in Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, and parts of Songkhla, with most taking place on Saturday evening and some continuing on Sunday.
Authorities have imposed a curfew in Narathiwat province. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has asked security forces to ensure public safety. No group has claimed responsibility for the wave of attacks.
Thailand's predominantly Muslim and ethnic Malay deep south has faced a decades-long insurgency seeking greater autonomy or independence. More than 7,800 people have been killed in the region bordering Malaysia since the latest round of conflict flared in 2004, led mainly by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).
The attacks come as Thailand attempts to revive peace talks with the BRN, which have repeatedly stalled since beginning in 2013. Chief negotiator Thanut Suvarnananda indicated a desire to address political grievances beyond reduced violence. Lieutenant General Norathip Poinok suggested the attacks were retaliation for crackdowns on insurgents and illicit businesses funding militant groups, noting that authorities had received intelligence warnings about potential attacks nearly two months prior.