Thailand's restive south has been rocked by a coordinated wave of bomb and arson attacks. Authorities reported at least 78 incidents across four southern provinces, targeting government buildings, shops, vehicles, utility poles and railway infrastructure. At least three people were injured, while a blast damaged railway tracks in Narathiwat and disrupted train services. No group has claimed responsibility so far. 

Coordinated bomb and arson attacks rock southern Thailand 

More than 50 coordinated arson and incendiary attacks aimed at creating unrest were carried out across Thailand’s insurgency-hit southern provinces, according to the country’s military. Two people were injured in the attacks, which targeted a local government office, a convenience store and a stolen vehicle, among other locations. Thailand’s Internal Security Operations Command said the incidents occurred between 20:00 local time (13:00 GMT) and midnight on Saturday across the southern border provinces. Most of the attacks were reported in Narathiwat, while others took place in neighbouring Yala and Pattani.&nbsp;The Bangkok Post reported that two women were injured when a bomb exploded in Muang district of Narathiwat. Several telecommunications towers were also set on fire, while security officials warned residents not to approach or touch suspicious objects. Authorities imposed an overnight curfew in Narathiwat, which was lifted on Sunday morning. No additional attacks had been reported by Sunday. No group has claimed responsibility for the coordinated arson attacks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asim-munir-iran-visit-us-iran-tensions-1787483096575">Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir to visit Iran to revive stalled US-Iran talks</a>&nbsp;Thailand’s southernmost provinces have faced a long-running insurgency since 2004. The conflict is rooted in tensions between the Buddhist-majority Thai state and the Muslim-majority population of the southern border region, where rebels have sought greater autonomy. More than 7,000 people have been killed in the violence. The insurgency is primarily led by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).&nbsp;Peace talks facilitated by Malaysia began in 2013 but have repeatedly stalled amid changes of government in Bangkok and internal divisions within both sides of the conflict. In July, five soldiers were killed in a gun and bomb attack at a checkpoint in Narathiwat, prompting authorities to postpone a planned dialogue process.&nbsp;Thai media have reported that insurgents frequently target security personnel and government buildings, sometimes ahead of visits by senior officials to the region. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and members of his cabinet are scheduled to visit Hat Yai in southern Songkhla province next week for a two-day trip. The delegation is expected to discuss investment projects, flood prevention and security issues.

More than 50 coordinated arson attacks hit southern Thailand, injuring two people and targeting government offices, shops and telecom towers

More than 50 coordinated arson and incendiary attacks aimed at creating unrest were carried out across Thailand’s insurgency-hit southern provinces, according to the country’s military. Two people were injured in the attacks, which targeted a local government office, a convenience store and a stolen vehicle, among other locations. Thailand’s Internal Security Operations Command said the incidents occurred between 20:00 local time (13:00 GMT) and midnight on Saturday across the southern border provinces. Most of the attacks were reported in Narathiwat, while others took place in neighbouring Yala and Pattani. The Bangkok Post reported that two women were injured when a bomb exploded in Muang district of Narathiwat. Several telecommunications towers were also set on fire, while security officials warned residents not to approach or touch suspicious objects. Authorities imposed an overnight curfew in Narathiwat, which was lifted on Sunday morning. No additional attacks had been reported by Sunday. No group has claimed responsibility for the coordinated arson attacks. Also Read: Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir to visit Iran to revive stalled US-Iran talks Thailand’s southernmost provinces have faced a long-running insurgency since 2004. The conflict is rooted in tensions between the Buddhist-majority Thai state and the Muslim-majority population of the southern border region, where rebels have sought greater autonomy. More than 7,000 people have been killed in the violence. The insurgency is primarily led by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN). Peace talks facilitated by Malaysia began in 2013 but have repeatedly stalled amid changes of government in Bangkok and internal divisions within both sides of the conflict. In July, five soldiers were killed in a gun and bomb attack at a checkpoint in Narathiwat, prompting authorities to postpone a planned dialogue process. Thai media have reported that insurgents frequently target security personnel and government buildings, sometimes ahead of visits by senior officials to the region. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and members of his cabinet are scheduled to visit Hat Yai in southern Songkhla province next week for a two-day trip. The delegation is expected to discuss investment projects, flood prevention and security issues.

More than 50 coordinated arson attacks hit Thailand’s insurgency-hit south, injuring two people and prompting a curfew in Narathiwat

Over 50 arson attacks reported across Thailand’s insurgency-hit south. What's happening

Explosions and fires ripped through at least 17 locations in Southern Thailand injuring seven people. According to the police, the explosions appear to be multiple coordinated attacks that targeted convenience stores and gas station across three provinces.

7 injured in wave of blast, arson attacks in Southern Thailand

Officials said on Wednesday that a wave of arson and bombing attacks hit Thailand's southernmost provinces overnight, which have been the site of an active Muslim separatist insurgency for nearly two decades.

According to military spokesman Pramote Promin, at least 17 attacks occurred on Tuesday night in Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala provinces, mostly at convenience stores and gas stations. Three civilians were reported injured. There have been no claims of responsibility.

Since the insurgency began in 2004, more than 7,300 people have been killed in the three provinces, which are the only ones in Buddhist-dominated Thailand with Muslim majorities. Attacks have also occurred in neighbouring Songkhla province.

Muslim residents in Thailand have long complained that they are treated as second-class citizens, and separatist movements have been active on and off for decades. Heavy-handed repression has fueled the unrest.

The attacks are the most high-profile since the Thai government and BRN—Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani, believed to be the largest of several insurgent groups—agreed to a cease-fire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in early April. In other recent violence, two Thai army ordnance experts on duty were killed later that month by a bomb.

According to Pramote, the attackers "dressed up as women, used motorcycles, and, in many cases, threw petrol bombs into the target sites" on Tuesday night.

Captain Sarayuth Kotchawong of the Yala Police Department said he received a report shortly before midnight that a suspect had entered a convenience store at a petrol station in Yala's Yaha district, placed a black bag inside, and warned employees to leave if they "did not want to die." The workers left 10 minutes before the bag exploded.

What is Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani?

The Malaysian Barisan Revolusi Patani is an Islamist Patani independence movement in northern Malaysia and Patani, southern Thailand. It is also known by the abbreviation Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), which means "National Revolutionary Front." It is the most&nbsp;dangerous terror group in the region as of 2017.

The BRN was founded as a roughly territorial organisation that prioritised Pattani secessionism. However, since 2001, the BRN-C (BRN-Coordinasi) has become its most active wing, leading the insurgency in southern Thailand and imposing extreme religious values on local society.

The BRN-C, through its paramilitary wing "Pejuang Kemerdekaan Patani," is the main group responsible for the murder of teachers in the Southern Border Provinces.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Officials said on Wednesday that a wave of arson and bombing attacks hit Thailand's southernmost provinces overnight, which have been the site of an active Muslim separatist insurgency for nearly two decades.

Officials said on Wednesday that a wave of arson and bombing attacks hit Thailand's southernmost provinces overnight, which have been the site of an active Muslim separatist insurgency for nearly two decades. According to military spokesman Pramote Promin, at least 17 attacks occurred on Tuesday night in Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala provinces, mostly at convenience stores and gas stations. Three civilians were reported injured. There have been no claims of responsibility. Since the insurgency began in 2004, more than 7,300 people have been killed in the three provinces, which are the only ones in Buddhist-dominated Thailand with Muslim majorities. Attacks have also occurred in neighbouring Songkhla province. Muslim residents in Thailand have long complained that they are treated as second-class citizens, and separatist movements have been active on and off for decades. Heavy-handed repression has fueled the unrest. The attacks are the most high-profile since the Thai government and BRN—Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani, believed to be the largest of several insurgent groups—agreed to a cease-fire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in early April. In other recent violence, two Thai army ordnance experts on duty were killed later that month by a bomb. According to Pramote, the attackers "dressed up as women, used motorcycles, and, in many cases, threw petrol bombs into the target sites" on Tuesday night. Captain Sarayuth Kotchawong of the Yala Police Department said he received a report shortly before midnight that a suspect had entered a convenience store at a petrol station in Yala's Yaha district, placed a black bag inside, and warned employees to leave if they "did not want to die." The workers left 10 minutes before the bag exploded. What is Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani? The Malaysian Barisan Revolusi Patani is an Islamist Patani independence movement in northern Malaysia and Patani, southern Thailand. It is also known by the abbreviation Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), which means "National Revolutionary Front." It is the most dangerous terror group in the region as of 2017. The BRN was founded as a roughly territorial organisation that prioritised Pattani secessionism. However, since 2001, the BRN-C (BRN-Coordinasi) has become its most active wing, leading the insurgency in southern Thailand and imposing extreme religious values on local society. The BRN-C, through its paramilitary wing "Pejuang Kemerdekaan Patani," is the main group responsible for the murder of teachers in the Southern Border Provinces. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least 17 arson attacks and bombings rock southern Thailand

Southern Thailand was on alert Thursday ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Pabuk, which is expected to plow through the Gulf of Thailand and across to the Andaman Sea over three days. 
 
The storm was moving with sustained winds of 65kph through the tip of Indochina and was expected to hit the Gulf of Thailand Thursday, the Thai Meteorological Department said in a weather warning Thursday morning. 
 
Waves are expected to reach 3-5 meters high in the Gulf, and 2-3 meters in the Andaman Sea. 
 
“People in the Gulf should be aware of inshore surges. All ships should keep ashore lasting 5 January 2019,” the department said. 
 
The warning said the storm will affect provinces of Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Krabi, Trang and Satun from Thursday with “isolated torrential downpours and strong wind.” 
 
From Friday, the same provinces plus Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Phangnga and Phuket will also be affected, according to the department. 
 
Seatran Discovery ferries said on its website that most of their services had been canceled from Thursday to Saturday. 
 
Lomprayah High Speed Catamarans said on its website that Thursday’s 18.15 Koh Pangan to Koh Tao crossing is canceled, as are all routes on Friday. They will resume again on Saturday from midday depending on conditions. 
 
Many fisherman have pulled their boats out of the water and back from the beaches.

Southern Thailand was on alert Thursday ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Pabuk, which is expected to plow through the Gulf of Thailand and across to the Andaman Sea over three days.

Southern Thailand was on alert Thursday ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Pabuk, which is expected to plow through the Gulf of Thailand and across to the Andaman Sea over three days. The storm was moving with sustained winds of 65kph through the tip of Indochina and was expected to hit the Gulf of Thailand Thursday, the Thai Meteorological Department said in a weather warning Thursday morning. Waves are expected to reach 3-5 meters high in the Gulf, and 2-3 meters in the Andaman Sea. “People in the Gulf should be aware of inshore surges. All ships should keep ashore lasting 5 January 2019,” the department said. The warning said the storm will affect provinces of Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Krabi, Trang and Satun from Thursday with “isolated torrential downpours and strong wind.” From Friday, the same provinces plus Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Phangnga and Phuket will also be affected, according to the department. Seatran Discovery ferries said on its website that most of their services had been canceled from Thursday to Saturday. Lomprayah High Speed Catamarans said on its website that Thursday’s 18.15 Koh Pangan to Koh Tao crossing is canceled, as are all routes on Friday. They will resume again on Saturday from midday depending on conditions. Many fisherman have pulled their boats out of the water and back from the beaches.

Southern Thailand braces for tropical storm Prabuk

A boat carrying dozens of Rohingya refugees trying to reach Malaysia briefly stopped on a Thai island, an official said Sunday, as fears grow about overcrowded camps for the stateless minority fleeing violence in Myanmar.

Nearly 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have sought shelter in southern Bangladesh since Myanmar launched a brutal crackdown on insurgents in August that the US and UN have called ethnic cleansing.

The boat, carrying 56 refugees, stopped on Lanta island in southern Krabi province after a heavy storm on Saturday evening. It was the first Rohingya vessel spotted off Thailand in more than a year, local police said.

"We treated them with humanitarian consideration and allowed them to return to sea because they told us they were heading to Malaysia," Lanta police chief, Police Colonel M.L. Pattanajak Chakrabandhu told Reuters. Locals gave the refugees food and water, he said.

An agreement to repatriate Rohingya from Bangladesh to Myanmar’s Rakhine state has yet to see a single refugee returned.

Rohingya migrants attempting the boat routes south have been a rare sighting since Thai authorities clamped down on regional trafficking networks in 2015, leaving thousands of migrants abandoned in open waters or jungle camps.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya fled by sea following an outbreak of sectarian violence in Rakhine State in 2012, some falling prey to human traffickers.

That exodus peaked in 2015, when an estimated 25,000 people fled across the Andaman Sea for Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The Rohingya boat arrived off Thailand’s western coast in Krabi province early Sunday due to bad weather.

Images showed the passengers being interviewed on shore and then getting back into the boat before departing.

Krabi governor Kitibodee Pravitra confirmed that the people travelling on the boat were Rohingya but did not know where they had come from.

“The initial report said they were docking near Koh Lanta this morning to avoid the storm,” he said, referring to an island popular with tourists. “They want to go to Malaysia.”

The Rohingya on board would continue toward their destination, he said.

He said there were about 56 women, men and children on board.

Nearly 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have sought shelter in southern Bangladesh since Myanmar launched a brutal crackdown on insurgents in August that the US and UN have called ethnic cleansing

A boat carrying dozens of Rohingya refugees trying to reach Malaysia briefly stopped on a Thai island, an official said Sunday, as fears grow about overcrowded camps for the stateless minority fleeing violence in Myanmar. Nearly 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have sought shelter in southern Bangladesh since Myanmar launched a brutal crackdown on insurgents in August that the US and UN have called ethnic cleansing. The boat, carrying 56 refugees, stopped on Lanta island in southern Krabi province after a heavy storm on Saturday evening. It was the first Rohingya vessel spotted off Thailand in more than a year, local police said. "We treated them with humanitarian consideration and allowed them to return to sea because they told us they were heading to Malaysia," Lanta police chief, Police Colonel M.L. Pattanajak Chakrabandhu told Reuters. Locals gave the refugees food and water, he said. An agreement to repatriate Rohingya from Bangladesh to Myanmar’s Rakhine state has yet to see a single refugee returned. Rohingya migrants attempting the boat routes south have been a rare sighting since Thai authorities clamped down on regional trafficking networks in 2015, leaving thousands of migrants abandoned in open waters or jungle camps. Tens of thousands of Rohingya fled by sea following an outbreak of sectarian violence in Rakhine State in 2012, some falling prey to human traffickers. That exodus peaked in 2015, when an estimated 25,000 people fled across the Andaman Sea for Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. The Rohingya boat arrived off Thailand’s western coast in Krabi province early Sunday due to bad weather. Images showed the passengers being interviewed on shore and then getting back into the boat before departing. Krabi governor Kitibodee Pravitra confirmed that the people travelling on the boat were Rohingya but did not know where they had come from. “The initial report said they were docking near Koh Lanta this morning to avoid the storm,” he said, referring to an island popular with tourists. “They want to go to Malaysia.” The Rohingya on board would continue toward their destination, he said. He said there were about 56 women, men and children on board.

Rohingya refugee boat restocks after storm in southern Thailand

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Coordinated bomb and arson attacks rock southern Thailand

More than 50 coordinated arson attacks hit Southern Thailand, two injured

7 injured in wave of blast, arson attacks in Southern Thailand

At least 17 arson attacks and bombings rock southern Thailand

Southern Thailand braces for tropical storm Prabuk

Rohingya refugee boat restocks after storm in southern Thailand