Dozens of co-ordinated arson attacks hit southern Thailand

ByAnbarasan Ethirajan Global affairs correspondent.

Key points

• As rebels in the Muslim-majority region battle for greater autonomy, since 2004, a low-level conflict has simmered in the southernmost provinces of Buddhist-majority Thailand.
• More than 50 co-ordinated arson and incendiary attacks "aimed at creating unrest" have been carried out throughout Thailand's insurgency-hit south, the Thai military has stated.
• According to the Bangkok Post, two women were injured when a bomb exploded in Muang district in Narathiwat province.
• Since discussions facilitated by Malaysia began in 2013, the peace process has repeatedly stalled against the backdrop of changing governments in Bangkok, with internal divisions on both sides.
• Most were documented in Narathiwat province, with others occurring in neighbouring Yala and Pattani.

Two individuals were injured, with a local administration office building, a convenience store, and a stolen vehicle among the targets set on fire.

For context, the incidents took place nationwide's southern border provinces between 20: 00 local time (13: 00 GMT) and midnight on Saturday, the military's Internal Security Operations Command remarked in an official note.

Telecommunication towers were set on fire in a number of locations, and security office-holders cautioned residents not to touch suspicious objects.

Authorities imposed an overnight curfew in the Narathiwat province that was lifted on Sunday morning. No further attacks had been documented on Sunday. No group has asserted responsibility for the arson attacks.

As rebels in the Muslim-majority region battle for greater autonomy, since 2004, a low-level conflict has simmered in the southernmost provinces of Buddhist-majority Thailand. More than 7, 000 individuals have been killed in the violence so far. The insurgency is mainly led by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional.

In July, five soldiers were killed in a gun and bomb attack at a checkpoint in Narathiwat prompting the authorities to postpone a planned dialogue process.

Thai media report insurgents often target security authorities and administration buildings, sometimes ahead of visits by authorities to the region.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and members of his cabinet are scheduled to create a two-day visit to the city of Hat Yai in southern Songkhla province next week to discuss investment projects, flooding prevention and security matters.

Taken together, the developments around dozens of co-ordinated arson attacks hit southern Thailand point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.