KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 (KUNA) -- Thai security authorities announced on Monday the lifting of the nighttime curfew in Narathiwat Province after confirming their ability to control the security situation following coordinated bombings and arson attacks targeting the three southern border provinces early on Sunday. The attacks injured a police officer, a firefighter, and two civilians, in addition to causing extensive damage to public and private property.
In a statement, Commander of the Narathiwat Task Force, Maj. Gen. Yud-Arut Buingbarkdi, said that the situation, which threatened the lives and property of residents due to insurgent activities, is now at a manageable level, just one day after the curfew was imposed under the Martial Law Act.
Authorities reported that the bombings and fires affected 11 PTT gas stations and attached stores in Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala provinces, with Narathiwat sustaining the most damage, affecting five stations and stores. Security agencies estimate that at least 40 insurgents participated in the attacks.
Narathiwat Governor Bunchawee Homyamien told reporters that material losses from the attacks are estimated at no less than 54 million Thai baht (approximately USD 1.52 million), noting that investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible, pursue the perpetrators, and prevent similar incidents.
The curfew had been imposed from Sunday evening, from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am (local time), including travel restrictions and heightened monitoring at border crossings in Narathiwat, as precautionary measures aimed at restoring stability and reassuring residents following the coordinated attacks.
Southern Thai provinces, particularly Narathiwat, have experienced intermittent security tensions over the years due to insurgent activities, prompting authorities to periodically impose exceptional measures, including curfews and martial law, to contain violence and protect civilians and vital infrastructure. (end) aab.aa