BANGKOK: Attacks involving bombs, arson and property damage hit eight sites across five districts of Yala at about 9pm on Tuesday (Nov 10), according to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command.
Attackers restrained five security guards and tied their hands before bombing and setting fire to the Yala Subdistrict Administrative Organisation office and several official vehicles in Mueang Yala district, ISOC reported.
The attack caused extensive damage to the office compound. Preliminary findings identified a fire engine, a rubbish collection truck, a pickup truck and other government vehicles among the damaged property, along with security cameras.
ISOC’s account identified three sites in Mueang Yala, two in Bannang Sata and one each in Krong Pinang, Yaha and Kabang.
Mueang Yala district: Motorcycle tyres were burned at Ban Pu Po, a smaller settlement within Ban Sa Kho, Village No. 4, Tha Sap subdistrict. A mobile phone transmission tower was set alight at Ban Li Mut, Village No. 3, in the same subdistrict. Bombs and arson targeted the Yala Subdistrict Administrative Organisation office and government vehicles in Village No. 1, Yala subdistrict.
Bannang Sata district: Car tyres were burned outside the Ta No Pu Te Subdistrict Administrative Organisation office at Ban Thamnop, Village No. 5, Ta No Pu Te subdistrict. Security cameras were damaged at the entrance to Khamphi Witthaya School at Ban Cho Ban Tang, Village No. 9, Bannang Sata subdistrict.
Krong Pinang district: A mobile phone transmission tower was set on fire at Ban Khuan Na Nga, Village No. 4, Huai Krathing subdistrict.
Yaha district: Security cameras outside Ban Kue Te mosque in Village No. 9, Yaha subdistrict, were burned.
Kabang district: Motorcycle tyres were set alight on a road at Ban Ni Bong, Village No. 2, Kabang subdistrict.
ISOC described the attacks as targeting government property, public utilities and security systems that support residents’ daily lives. Damage to the fire engine, rubbish collection truck and administration office could restrict access to essential public services, the command noted.
ISOC also expressed concern that the violence could create fear and undermine confidence in local security. The command condemned the destruction of public assets, stressing that residents should not have to bear the consequences of such violence.
Authorities are inspecting the affected sites, gathering evidence and investigating those responsible, according to ISOC. Security measures have been increased, while relevant agencies are coordinating repairs to restore damaged property and utilities as quickly as possible.
ISOC urged residents to exercise greater caution when travelling and remain alert to unusual activity.
Anyone encountering suspicious people, objects or movements should avoid approaching them, refrain from touching or moving suspicious objects, and immediately contact officials through the command’s hotline 1341 or their nearest local task force. Reports can be made around the clock.
ISOC pledged to pursue those responsible through the legal process while respecting human rights and prioritising public safety.
The command also committed to restoring damaged facilities, maintaining order and rebuilding public confidence as part of efforts to achieve lasting peace in the southern border provinces. - The Nation/ANN
