Thailand: Seven injured by bombings and arson in the south

Seven people were injured in a barrage of explosions and fires that rocked at least 17 areas in southern Thailand today in what authorities said appeared to be multiple coordinated attacks.

The bombings and arson attacks, which took place after midnight and targeted grocery stores and a gas station in three provinces in the south of the country, left at least seven people slightly injured, according to statements issued by the police and the military.

So far no organization has claimed responsibility for them.

Provinces in southern Thailand along the border with Malaysia have for decades faced a low-intensity insurgency in which the Thai government has been fighting shadowy groups seeking independence in the mainly Muslim provinces of Patani, Yala, Narathiwat and parts of Songla.

More than 7.300 people have been killed in the conflict since 2004, according to conflict monitor Deep South Watch.

Today's attacks came after the government resumed talks earlier this year with the main separatist group, Barisan Revolusi Nasional, after they were suspended for two years due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO), sidelined in the latest round of talks, carried out bombings during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, protesting that the dialogue does not include all sides. The government says it intends to hold talks with all organizations.

The head of the organization, Kasturi Makota, told Reuters that PULO "has nothing to do" with today's attacks.

Source: RES-EAP