Thailand: Bomb explodes on rail line in Narathiwat November 27

Event

An explosive device detonated on a rail line in Sungai Padi district (Narathiwat province) during the early morning hours (local time) of Wednesday, November 27. The incident occurred at approximately 05:55 between the Sungai Padi and To Deng stations. Local train service was delayed for several hours as crews repaired the damage from the blast. No one was injured by the explosion. Officials have blamed local insurgents for conducting the bombing.

Similar attacks targeting infrastructure or security forces are possible in the region in 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 Patani 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, 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.