Thailand: Attack on military base in Sukhirin district leaves one dead, seven wounded January 12

Event

A suspected militant group attacked a military base in Sukhirin district (Narathiwat province) on Sunday, January 12, killing one volunteer at the base and wounding at least seven others. One militant was killed in subsequent clashes with security forces. Search operations for the remaining attackers are ongoing as of noon (local time) on Monday, January 13.

A heightened security presence is expected in the area over the coming hours and days. Similar attacks are possible in Narathiwat province over the near term.

Context

An ethnic and religious separatist insurgency is ongoing in the provinces of Songkhla, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala, which make up the historical Malay Pattani region in the extreme south of the country along the Thai-Malaysian border. Since 2001, over 7000 people have been killed (e.g. local residents, civil servants, security personnel, and militants) and many more wounded in near-daily clashes and assassinations.

Advice

Individuals in Narathiwat province are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant and criminal activity, expect heightened security measures, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

As a reminder, some Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and the south of Songkhla. Individuals in these areas should remain cautious and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.