Thailand: Suspected separatists stage attacks in Pattani, Narathiwat Dec. 29

Event

Suspected Muslim separatist fighters staged attacks in Pattani and Narathiwat provinces on Saturday, December 29, killing one civilian and wounding three soldiers, respectively. Similar attacks are to be expected in the southern provinces of Thailand over the near term.

Context

An ethnic and religious separatist insurgency is ongoing in the four southernmost provinces of Thailand - Songkhla, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala - which make up the historical Malay Patani region and are located in the extreme south of the country along the Thai-Malaysian border. Since 2001, over 7000 people have been killed (e.g. local residents, civil servants, security personnel, militants) and many more wounded in near-daily clashes and assassinations.

Advice

As a reminder, some Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and the south of Songkhla. Individuals in these areas should remain cautious and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.