Thailand: IED blasts target security forces in Southern provinces August 13

Event

At least two rangers were killed and several others wounded after two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) detonated in Pattani and Narathiwat provinces on Thursday, August 13. The IEDs targeted ranger patrols who had been providing protection for local teachers; media sources indicate that the attacks coincide with the first day of the resumption of face-to-face classes in schools across Thailand. According to media sources, in Rangae district (Narathiwat province) an IED planted at a bridge near the tambon Kalisa administration organisation office detonated at around 08:20 (local time) and killed one ranger and wounded six other volunteer rangers. Similarly, at approximately 08:10 in Nong Chik district (Pattani province) an IED planted at the entrance of Pakaluesong village in tambon Tuyong detonated as a ranger patrol was passing the area and killed one ranger. Several other security personnel were wounded in this incident.

Further attacks are possible in the area in 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, including local residents, civil servants, in addition to others perceived to have links to the Thai government, and many more wounded in near-daily clashes and assassinations.

Advice

Those in Narathiwat and Pattani provinces should monitor local media sources for further updates on the incident and any associated security operations. Travelers in Thailand's deep south are advised to maintain good situational awareness at all times and subject all overland travel to comprehensive security risk management protocols. Any suspicious items or activity should be immediately reported to security forces.