Thailand: Explosion in Khok Pho District, Pattani Province, injures three Dec. 13

Event

An explosion targeting a passing train occurred on a railway track between Pattani and Ta Paet stations in Khok Pho District, Pattani Province, at around 12:30 Dec. 13. Reports indicate that the train was traveling from Su-ngai Kolok to Nakhon Si Thammarat with 300 passengers on board; the blast injured one passenger and two train staff. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Context

Separatist organizations claiming to represent the interests of ethnic Malays conduct occasional attacks in Thailand's Deep South, including in Pattani Province. Roadside shootings and bombings are the most common types of insurgent attacks in the region. Militants have also targeted train services between Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala provinces in recent months. Fighters typically use mobile phones or other electronic devices to detonate pre-planted bombs commonly fashioned out of gas canisters or fire extinguishers. Recent incidents include a blast targeting two monks and two rangers during morning alms in Rueso District, Narathiwat Province, Dec. 11; there were no reports of injuries or casualties. Explosions targeting vehicles carrying ballot boxes in Chanae District, Narathiwat Province, and Bannang Sata District, Yala Province, also occurred during subdistrict elections Nov. 28. Further attacks, explosions, and clashes between insurgents and security forces remain possible over the coming weeks.

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. Authorities and insurgent groups have had on-and-off peace talks since 2004. However, the dialogues are unlikely to resolve the conflict in the immediate future due to political instability in Bangkok and disagreement among insurgent groups. The COVID-19 pandemic has also disrupted peace talks between the Thai government and the influential armed group National Revolutionary Front (BRN).