Thailand: Increased security measures ongoing in Songkhla Province as of April 17 due to recent incidents in neighboring provinces

Event

Thai authorities are increasing security measures in Songkhla Province, especially Hat Yai and Sadao districts, as of April 17 following a series of explosions and shootings by militant groups. Six attacks occurred simultaneously at various locations, including railway tracks and military and police posts, in neighboring Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala provinces at around 20:00 April 14. The incidents did not result in any casualties.

Officials will likely maintain checkpoints and roadblocks in Songkhla Province to facilitate security measures. Further attacks and clashes cannot be ruled out. Localized transport disruptions are likely, while business disruptions are possible in the affected areas. Damages to railway tracks may also result in disruptions to train services in Thailand's Deep South.

Context

Separatist organizations claiming to represent the interests of ethnic Malays conduct occasional attacks in Thailand's Deep South, which includes Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala provinces. While roadside shootings and bombings are the most common type of attacks in the Deep South, separatist organizations have staged coordinated attacks in several cities in the region in the past. Militants typically target security convoys and personnel, government facilities, and railway tracks but could attack civilians. Increased security measures are likely at transport hubs, as well as military infrastructure and checkpoints in the region during the last week of Ramadan which ends April 21.

The insurgency will likely continue in the medium term, though there has been a decrease in attacks in recent years due to a combination of factors, including more government informants on the ground and tighter security operations. While authorities and insurgent groups have had on-and-off peace talks since 2004, the talks are unlikely to resolve the conflict soon.

Advice

Defer nonessential travel to the affected areas until tensions subside. Exercise caution if operating in the affected area. Reach out to trusted local contacts to determine security conditions, as reporting is often delayed. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks and heed all official security and transport advisories; remain cooperative if stopped for inspections.