Deadly attacks in Pattani and Narathiwat provinces on Saturday night prompted Thailand's navy to impose maximum security measures at all military installations and airports in the region. A navy patrol ship was the target of one of the attacks.Bomb explosions and shootings happened in 15 locations in Pattani's Muang district and at least three parts of Narathiwat's Rueso district early Saturday evening. The Public Health Ministry said the attacks left three people dead and 73 injured. The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) put the injury toll at 61.
The attacks began about 7:30 p.m., and shots were heard in some locations until almost midnight. Targets of the attacks included a gasoline station, five convenience stores, a fish market, utility poles, a mobile phone signal tower, and a navy patrol ship. The attacks caused a blackout across the entire municipality of Pattani on Saturday night.
Navy chief Narong Pipattanasai yesterday ordered the highest level of security alert at military installations and airports after Tor 229 was damaged by one of the blasts in Pattani. The patrol boat was hit by an unidentified explosive device while anchored at a pier on the Pattani River. The blast tore a large hole in the side of the vessel and slightly wounded three officers. This was the first attack on a navy vessel since the southern insurgency broke out in 2004.
ISOC spokesman Pol Banpote Poolpien tied the attacks to the political upheaval in Bangkok. But 4th Army commander Walit Rojanaphakdi dismissed any connection between the attacks and the abrupt change in leadership at the Southern Border Provinces Administration Center (SPBAC).
