Thailand urges public to report group bombing 11 gas stations

The Thai army condemns the bombing of 11 gas stations in the south, but has not found the perpetrators and calls on the public to report them.

Early on January 11, a series of bomb attacks targeted 11 gas stations across three southern provinces: Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The explosions occurred within a 40-minute window, with perpetrators planting explosives in fuel pumps before detonating them. These actions ignited large fires and injured four people, including one firefighter and two gas station employees in Pattani province.

Army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree condemned the attacks on January 12, describing them as "inhumane acts, threatening public safety and civilian infrastructure, aiming to sow fear and disrupt peace in the region." Authorities have yet to identify or apprehend any suspects, and no group has claimed responsibility for the bombings.

Winthai emphasized that such violence "reflects an intent to use violence, going against international standards for peaceful measures." He asserted that "violence in any form is not a solution and cannot be accepted." He further stated, "This is not an ideological issue, but an organized criminal act and unjustifiable." Winthai urged those responsible to "immediately cease endangering society" and called on all parties to "condemn the perpetrators and avoid supporting them in any form."

A series of gas stations in southern Thailand burned after being attacked on January 11. Video: Chong 3 Et Di.

The army spokesperson also appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities by providing information to help apprehend the bombers. The Fourth Army Region's Internal Security Operations Command has been tasked with controlling the situation and enforcing the law to bring those responsible to justice as soon as possible.

For many years, the Thai government has contended with independence movements in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and the neighboring province of Songkhla. These provinces are characterized by a Muslim majority within a predominantly Buddhist nation.