Thailand: Bomb explosions in Pattani province wound two Feb. 11

Event

Four improvised explosive device (IED) detonations have been reported in Yaring district, Pattani province on Sunday, February 11. The first explosion was reported at 08:25 (local time) outside of Yaring School in Yaring's tambon Yamu, injuring one women. The second explosion was at a nearby intersection, injuring the local district officer. Approximately an hour later, two other improvised explosive devices detonated on Highway 410 in Khao Tum, Yaring district, with no reported injuries. 

Officials have said that several other IEDs were successfully defused in Taluban in Pattani's Sai Buri district. Separatist insurgents are suspected to have planted the IEDs.

Context

A separatist insurgency in Thailand's three Muslim-majority southern provinces – Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat - has claimed more than 6800 lives since it first began 13 years ago, with both militants and Thailand's military accused of human rights abuses. Low-intensity bombings and assassinations often occur in the region, which is heavily patrolled by soldiers and police.

Advice

Individuals in the area are advised to monitor the situation and remain vigilant. As a reminder, most Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, as well as the province of Songkhla and areas along the Cambodia and Myanmar borders due to the presence of armed militias.