Narathiwat: An arson attack on two backhoe excavators took place last night in southern Thailand, just before the Prime Minister's scheduled trip to the region. The incident unfolded at approximately 10:30 PM near the Kolok River and in a community within the Tak Bai district, Narathiwat province.

According to Thai News Agency, the headman of Pasemas Subdistrict, Suai Ko-lok District, was informed that an unknown group set fire to the excavators parked along the banks of the Kolok River in Ban Mue Ba, Village No. 4, Pasemas Subdistrict. The attack caused significant damage to the machinery.

Further arson incidents were confirmed in the Ban Chumbok area of Tak Bai district. One occurred near the residence of Kamnan Ma, and another was reported near a curve on the road leading to rice fields adjacent to a palm plantation. These acts are suspected to have been carried out to create unrest before the cabinet's visit to the area.

Security sources indicate that the Prime Minister's visit will address economic and infrastructure development around the Buketa Bridge. The Prime Minister will also instruct local agencies to enhance security, particularly in vulnerable areas along the river and construction sites. This move aims to instill confidence in the public and investors crossing the border between Thailand and Malaysia, in light of the recent arson attack. Authorities have tightened security measures, cordoning off the affected area and conducting vehicle searches to prevent further incidents during the critical afternoon mission.