Krabi: Thai security forces on Wednesday linked a coordinated wave of bombings at 11 gas stations across the deep south to the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) insurgent group, reporting over 110 million baht ($3.7 million) in economic damages. The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) and regional police confirmed that forensic evidence, including spent shell casings, connected the Jan. 10-11 attacks to high-profile insurgent activity.
According to Thai News Agency, the perpetrators exploited a window when security forces were diverted to Children's Day events and local election preparations," said Colonel Yuthanam Petchmuang, ISOC Region 4 spokesperson. He added that the attacks specifically targeted the regional economy and served as a "symbolic" strike after failed attempts during the New Year period.
Investigators recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) housed in gas cylinders and fire extinguishers, triggered via digital and remote systems. Ballistic tests on an M16 rifle used at a Thasap sub-district station revealed it had been used in 22 previous cases. Additionally, an AK-102 rifle found at the scene was linked to a 2019 massacre of 15 village defense volunteers in Lam Phaya and the 2024 assassination of a local Imam.
Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage at each gas station showing groups of four to six armed men in black attire. Security officials believe the attacks were carried out by veteran insurgent cells bolstered by a new generation of local recruits.
The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) reported nine injuries. Property damage impacted 20 parties, including 11 business owners whose petrol pumps, convenience stores, and fuel tankers were destroyed. The government has outlined a compensation framework that provides between 10,000 and 50,000 baht for injuries, depending on severity.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, following an emergency briefing in Phuket, ordered an immediate acceleration of the relief process. "Compensation must be swift and fair," Anutin said, instructing agencies to provide temporary trading spaces for affected vendors and welfare support beyond cash payments.