Thailand: Multiple bomb blasts in southern regions May 20

Event

At least 14 bomb blasts were reported on Sunday, May 20, in the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla, wounding at least three people. According to local sources, the blasts, targeted bank branches and automated teller machines (ATMs) in cities throughout the abovementioned provinces. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks as of May 20. Additional militant attacks are possible in in southern Thailand in the coming weeks.

Context

A separatist insurgency in Thailand's Muslim-majority southern provinces - Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhla - has claimed more than 6800 lives since it first began 14 years ago, with both militants and Thailand's military accused of human rights abuses. Low-intensity bombings and assassinations often occur in the region, which is heavily patrolled by soldiers and police.

Advice

Individuals in southern regions of Thailand are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for potential militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. As a reminder, most Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, as well as the province of Songkhla and areas along the Cambodia and Myanmar borders due to the presence of armed militias.