"The bombs detonated almost simultaneously. A group of people planted explosives that damaged the fuel pumps", Boonchauy Homyamyen, governor of Narathiwat province in southern Thailand, said today.

The Thai military reported that the bombs exploded within 40 minutes after midnight, causing fires at 11 gas stations across the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. Four people were injured, including one firefighter and two gas station employees in Pattani province.

Series of gas stations in southern Thailand ablaze after being attacked on 11/1. Video: Nexta, Thai Inquirer, RT

All four individuals were taken to the hospital, and none sustained serious injuries. It is not yet clear who was behind the attacks, and officials have not arrested any suspects.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that security officials believe the bombings were planned to coincide with local government elections, rather than being an attack by insurgent forces.

Southern Thai army commander Narathip Phoynok ordered security measures to be elevated to "maximum level in all areas", including traffic and border checkpoints.

Gas station in Narathiwat province damaged after the bombing. Photo: AFP

Southern Thai provinces have experienced decades-long insurgencies, with the government responding to groups demanding independence for Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, three Muslim-majority provinces in the predominantly Buddhist nation. Muslims in the region have long claimed unequal treatment in Thailand. The insurgency also extends to the neighboring province of Songkhla.

By Huyen Le (According to Nation Thailand, AFP)