51 simultaneous attacks strike Southern Thailand

Southern Thailand was rocked by a wave of 51 coordinated violent incidents that occurred simultaneously across the provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani. The attacks, which lasted for nearly two hours on the night of August 22, are believed to have been orchestrated by separatist groups operating in the region.

The incidents included bombings, arson targeting government offices and vehicles, telecommunication tower explosions, robberies, and the burning of tires. According to the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), by midnight, 22 incidents were recorded in Narathiwat, 18 in Yala, and 11 in Pattani.

Two civilians, both in their 30s, were injured when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED) in Sungai Padi District, Narathiwat. In response to the organized nature of the attacks, the Narathiwat Special Task Force declared a curfew for the entire province from 10:15 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. the following day. This measure aims to allow police and military investigators to conduct a thorough examination of the scenes.

Authorities have cordoned off the affected areas and are actively collecting evidence for legal proceedings. While the incidents did not occur in major tourist areas, security forces ordered the immediate closure of petrol stations, convenience stores, and other high-risk premises within and around the towns to ensure public safety.