Coordinated Arson Attacks Strike in Thailand's Insurgency Region

More than 50 coordinated arson and incendiary attacks aimed at "creating unrest" struck Thailand's insurgency-hit southern provinces the Thai military reported.

At least two people were injured as attackers targeted a local government office, a convenience store and a stolen vehicle among other sites. The attacks occurred between 8:00 pm and midnight Saturday across the southern border provinces, according to the military's Internal Security Operations Command.

Most incidents were reported in Narathiwat province, with additional attacks in neighbouring Yala and Pattani. The Bangkok Post reported that two women were injured when a bomb exploded in Narathiwat's Muang district. Telecommunication towers were also set ablaze in several locations with prompting security officials to warn residents against touching suspicious objects.

Authorities imposed an overnight curfew in Narathiwat which was lifted Sunday morning after no further attacks were reported. No group has claimed responsibility.

Since 2004, a low-level insurgency has persisted in Thailand's Muslim-majority southern provinces, where rebels have fought for greater autonomy from the Buddhist-majority nation. The conflict has killed more than 7,000 people, with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional leading the insurgency.

Peace talks facilitated by Malaysia since 2013 have repeatedly stalled amid political changes in Bangkok and internal divisions on both sides. In July, five soldiers were killed in an attack at a Narathiwat checkpoint, prompting authorities to postpone planned dialogue.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to visit Hat Yai in southern Songkhla province next week to discuss investment, flood prevention and security matters.