Thailand: Two killed in market attack in Pattani Province (south)

Event

On the evening of August 30 , a village defence volunteer and a woman were shot down by gunmen at a market in Southern Pattani Province, (Muang district) in full view of market-goers. The market is located along the Pattani-Narathiwat Road in tambon Tanyong Lulor. Local authorities are investigating if this umpteenth violent attack is related to the Muslim separatist insurgency affecting the southern Malay provinces of Thailand.

Context

An ethnic and religious separatist insurgency is ongoing in these provinces, which make up the historical Malay Patani region. Since 2001, over 7000 people have been killed (local residents, civil servants, security personnel, militants) and many more injured in near-daily clashes and assassinations.

Advice

As a reminder, some Western governments advise against travel to these four provinces - Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and the south of Songkhla - located near Thai-Malaysia border. Individuals in this area should remain cautious and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.