Southern Thailand records more than 50 explosions, attacks in a single day

Thailand’s Internal Security Operations Command reported on Sunday that more than 50 explosions, acts of arson, vandalism and assaults were carried out by separatist groups in southern Thailand in a single day.

“In 21 districts across the provinces of Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani, a total of 51 attacks were carried out against government institutions and public facilities in the period from 8.00 pm local time (1.00 pm GMT) on Saturday, 22 August,” the command said in a statement.

The statement added that dozens of improvised explosive devices were detonated, accompanied by arson and vandalism against government buildings. The incidents left two people injured.

Heightened security measures have been imposed across the three provinces. The public has also been urged not to travel and to avoid crowded places.

A number of local observers assess that the actions in southern Thailand represent an effort by separatist organisations operating in the region to strengthen their position ahead of the start of a new round of negotiations with the central government on national reconciliation and autonomy.

In the past, the provinces of Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani formed part of a semi-independent vassal state of Bangkok known as the Pattani Sultanate. The territory served as a buffer state between the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand) and the British colonies in what is now Malaysia.

The Pattani Sultanate became part of Thailand in the early 20th century and was administratively divided into three provinces. The majority of the population in this region is ethnically Malay and Muslim.

Since the early 20th century, separatist movements have repeatedly emerged in the area and have been engaged in conflict with the central government in Bangkok.