Southern Thailand reels from swarm of arson attacks as insurgency rages

The Thai military reports that at least 52 coordinated arson and incendiary attacks were carried out across the southern border provinces between 20:00 local time and midnight on Saturday. The aim, officials say, was to create unrest amid the long‑running conflict with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional.

Targets included a local government office, a convenience store, telecom towers, and a stolen vehicle. Two people were injured and a bomb exploded in Muang district in Narathiwat province, according to the Bangkok Post.

The most attacks were reported in Narathiwat province, with additional incidents in neighbouring Yala and Pattani. Authorities imposed an overnight curfew in Narathiwat, lifted on Sunday morning. No further attacks have been reported on Sunday.

No group has claimed responsibility for the arson attacks. Since 2004 a low‑level insurgency has simmered in the southernmost provinces of Buddhist‑majority Thailand, where Muslim‑majority rebels fight for greater autonomy. More than 7,000 people have been killed in the violence so far.

The insurgency is primarily led by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional. The peace process, facilitated by Malaysia since 2013, has repeatedly stalled amid changing governments in Bangkok and internal divisions on both sides. In July, five soldiers were killed in a gun and bomb attack at a checkpoint in Narathiwat, prompting authorities to postpone a planned dialogue process.

Thai security officials have warned residents not to touch suspicious objects after telecom towers were set on fire in several locations. The Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and cabinet members are scheduled to visit Hat Yai in southern Songkhla province next week to discuss investment projects, flooding prevention, and security issues.