26 Dec 2018 | 12:43 PM UTC
Thailand: Bomb attack and gunfire kill one in southern Narathiwat province Dec. 24
A bomb attack and ensuing gunfire kills one police officer in Narathiwat province December 24; five others injured
Event
A bomb explosion followed by firefighting killed one police officer and injured five others late on Monday, December 24, next to a police station located in the Narathiwat province. The motives behind the attack remains unknown as of Wednesday, December 26; an investigation is ongoing.
Context
Narathiwat is one of south Thailand's four Muslim majority provinces (along with Songkhla, Pattani, and Yala) affected by a violent separatist insurgency. Since 2004, daily violence in these areas have killed nearly 7 000 people.
Advice
As a reminder, some Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and the south of Songkhla. Individuals in these areas should remain cautious and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
