Thailand: Multiple bombings in Narathiwat and Pattani April 9

Event

Several explosive devices detonated in the southern Narathiwat and Pattani provinces on the evening (local time) of Monday, April 9. In Narathiwat, three bombs exploded in the Sungai Kolok district at approximately 18:00, wounding at least three people. One device went off near the Plaza Hotel and two others on Parachawiwat Road. In Pattani province, an under-vehicle improvised explosive device (UVIED) detonated in Yaring district; one local security volunteer was wounded in the blast.

Context

No group has claimed responsibility for the bombings. 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 14 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 affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for potential militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. 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.