Report Narathiwat Attack Unveils Long-standing Insurgent Tactics

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Picture courtesy of Thairath

 

In a brazen assault on a security base in Narathiwat's Mueang district on 28 June, around 50 assailants, equipped with firearms and pipe bombs, launched a well-coordinated attack. The violent confrontation left two officers wounded, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in Thailand's southern provinces.

 

In the aftermath, investigators discovered a staggering 702 bullet casings, linking them to 99 previous incidents across nine districts in both Narathiwat and Yala provinces. This trove of evidence underscores the prolonged and persistent nature of the insurgency in the region.

 

The seized bullet casings varied significantly in calibre: authorities retrieved 201 NATO 7.62 mm casings tied to 14 previous incidents, alongside 15 Russian 7.62 mm casings connected to four events. Additionally, there were 400 small calibre 5.56 mm casings linked to weapons such as the HK33 and M16, and 70 shotgun casings relating to seven attacks. Untraceable 9 mm handgun casings were also found scattered at the scene.

 

Significantly, 115 M13-style ammunition belts were uncovered, reinforcing suspicions that these weapons had been employed in prior assaults on military and civilian targets, concealed by insurgent groups for future operations.

 

In a related twist, a Nissan sedan registered in Bangkok was found burnt in Narathiwat's Rue So district on the night of 5 July. The vehicle, owned by a bank and linked to a woman in Nakhon Pathom province, is believed to have been earmarked for a potential car bomb attack. Authorities suspect that the arson was a deliberate attempt to obliterate evidence.

 

Linkages have also emerged between this vehicle and the bombing incident at Phuket International Airport on 25 June. Investigations suggest the car was being prepared for an attack in either Yala's Raman district or Narathiwat, pointing to an expansive network of activity.

 

As security services continue their inquiries to identify and apprehend those responsible for these acts, the incidents underscore the complexity of ensuring safety in Thailand’s southernmost provinces. The ongoing threat of insurgent violence remains a significant concern, impacting both local populations and national stability.

 

In a further context, given the ongoing unrest and the discovery of these interconnected plots, authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit to dismantle these networks, ensuring safety and security in the region.

 

The situation serves as a stark reminder of the resilience required to counteract longstanding threats and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding community wellbeing.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-08