Gas Station Explosions in Three Southern Thai Provinces – Thai PM: Linked to Local Elections, Not Terror Attacks

(Thailand, 12th) Thailand's military stated that attackers detonated bombs at 11 gas stations in southern Thailand in the early morning of the 11th, injuring four people. This is another recent attack in the insurgency-hit region.

Thailand's Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin told the media that this large-scale coordinated attack, as analyzed by security agencies, was a "signal" intended to coincide with the local administrative officer elections held on the 11th, rather than a simple terrorist attack targeting civilians.

The military stated that within 40 minutes after midnight, multiple bombs were detonated in Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala—the southernmost provinces of Thailand—setting 11 gas stations on fire.

Authorities have not announced any arrests or revealed who is behind the attacks.

Narathiwat Governor Wanchao told local media the attacks occurred almost simultaneously, with a group of unidentified men arriving to detonate the bombs and destroying the gas pumps. One police officer in Narathiwat was injured.

The military said one firefighter and two gas station employees in Pattani were injured.

A military spokesperson told AFP that all four injured individuals had been sent to the hospital and none were in serious condition.

Southern Army Region Commander Narathip said he had ordered security at the highest level for all areas, including road checkpoints and border posts.

Since 2004, ongoing low-intensity conflicts in the region have resulted in thousands of deaths, as insurgents in this Muslim-majority area bordering Malaysia fight for greater autonomy.

The Thai military announced on the 11th that a curfew would be implemented in Narathiwat with immediate effect, banning residents from leaving their homes between 9pm and 5am.

The military stated that a series of measures would be implemented to maintain public order and security, including strengthened control at the Thai-Malaysian border crossing points and the curfew in Narathiwat, urging the public to cooperate.