11 Jan 2019 | 03:03 AM UTC
Thailand: At least four killed in attack in Pattani province Jan. 10
At least four people killed by suspected militants in Yarang district (Pattani province) on January 10
Event
Suspected militants attacked the Bukoh School in Yarang district (Pattani province) at 11:45 (local time) on Thursday, January 10. According to local sources, the gunmen killed four school guards before fleeing. Further militant attacks are possible in Pattani province in the coming days.
Context
An ethnic and religious separatist insurgency is ongoing in the four southernmost provinces of Thailand - Songkhla, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala - which make up the historical Malay Pattani region and are located in the extreme south of the country along the Thai-Malaysian border. Since 2001, over 7000 people have been killed (e.g. local residents, civil servants, security personnel, militants) and many more wounded in near-daily clashes and assassinations.
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.
