BANGKOK, Aug 24 (Reuters) – Suspected insurgents set fire to government buildings, shops, cars and utility poles in more than 70 locations across four of Thailand’s southernmost provinces over the weekend, injuring at least three people in a coordinated series of arson attacks, authorities said.
More than 7,800 people have been killed in provinces bordering Malaysia since 2004, when the latest round of a long-running insurgency led mainly by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) flared.
Here are more details provided by Thai officials:
• There were at least 78 incidents across four provinces: 40 in Narathiwat, 21 in Yala, 15 in Pattani and two in Songkhla. No group has claimed responsibility.
• Most of the attacks took place on Saturday evening across Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and parts of Songkhla, with some more on Sunday.
• A rail line was hit by explosives in Narathiwat, prompting the suspension of services in that section.
• Authorities have imposed a curfew in Narathiwat, and at a meeting on Sunday Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul asked the security forces to ensure public safety.
• Thailand’s predominantly Muslim and ethnic Malay deep south has faced a decades-long insurgency seeking greater autonomy or independence.
• The region was part of the independent Malay sultanate of Patani before its incorporation into Thailand was formalised in 1909.
• The attacks come as Thailand seeks to revive peace talks with the BRN, the main separatist group fighting in the region.
• Chief negotiator Thanut Suvarnananda told Reuters this month that Bangkok wanted to move beyond trading concessions for reduced violence and address political grievances, including governance.
• Malaysian-facilitated peace talks have repeatedly stalled since they began in 2013.
• Lieutenant General Norathip Poinok, who commands the Thai army in the southern region, told local media on Monday that authorities had received intelligence nearly two months ago warning of attacks on government buildings, shops and power infrastructure.
• Norathip described the attacks as retaliation for crackdowns on insurgents and illicit businesses, including drug and contraband trafficking, that fund militant groups.
(Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Editing by John Mair)
