Thailand's Commander of the 4th Army Region Lieutenant General Paisan Nusang (centre) and officials inspect the site of an attack that killed two defence volunteers and injured 12 others, outside the district office of Sungai Kolok in the southern Thailand province of Narathiwat on March 9, 2025. -- Photo by Madaree TOHLALA / AFP)
BANGKOK (Bernama): Thailand’s Defence Ministry has assuredon Sunday (March 9) that security agencies will do their utmost to ensure the safety of the people in southern Thailand following multiple bombing and shooting incidents on Saturday evening.
Ministry’s spokesperson Maj. Gen. Thanathip Sawangsang said that Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed his deepest condolences to the families of officials and civilians who lost their lives in the violent incidents on the evening of March 8.
"Such violent acts during this sacred month are contrary to religious principles and cause severe losses.
"The Defence Ministry urges the public to condemn the actions of ill-intentioned groups and affirms its commitment to strictly enforce legal measures to protect the people in the southern border provinces," he said in a statement on Sunday.
He also urged the public and all relevant parties to cooperate in fostering peace and security in the region.
Thailand's forensic police officers (centre) inspect the site of an attack that killed two defence volunteers and injured 12 others, outside the district office of Sungai Kolok in the southern Thailand province of Narathiwat on Sunday, March 9, 2025. A low-level conflict has simmered in the country's southernmost provinces since 2004, killing more than 7,000 people, as rebels in the Muslim-majority region battle for greater autonomy from the state. -- Photo by Madaree TOHLALA / AFP
It was reported that multiple bombings and shooting incidents in Narathiwat and Pattani provinces on March 8 resulted in five deaths and 13 injuries.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, disclosed that Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Phana Klaewplodthuk, who is also deputy director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), had been briefed on the incident.
He expressed sorrow over the events and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
Phana also instructed the ISOC Region 4 Forward Command to closely monitor the situation, including strengthening security measures to prevent incidents in vulnerable areas, as well as provide the best possible care to those affected.
"Efforts must be made to improve security in inadequately protected areas to prevent further opportunities for ill-intentioned individuals. These violent acts are not only intended to create unrest but also to inflict casualties, both among officials and innocent civilians," he said.
He called for swift action to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible. - Bernama
