Thailand: Roadside bombing in Narathiwat (south) Oct. 9

Event

One soldier was killed and one other injured on Monday, October 9, by a roadside bomb planted in Narathiwat province, a Malay Muslim-majority region in the insurgency-plagued south. Authorities believe it to be the work of insurgent groups; there has been no claim of responsibility.

Context

A separatist insurgency in Thailand's three Muslim-majority southern provinces - Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat - has claimed more than 6800 lives since it erupted 13 years ago, with both militants and Thailand's military accused of human rights abuses. Low-intensity bombings and assassinations often occur in the area, 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 Cambodian and Burmese borders due to the presence of armed militias.