Thailand: Bomb explosion kills two in Pattani May 27

Event

A bomb explosion killed two and wounded 21 people in Pattani on the evening (local time) of Monday, May 27. According to the army spokesperson, the attack was carried out in retaliation for the killing of one of the leaders of the Muslim separatist rebellion a few hours before. Similar militant attacks are possible in Thailand's southern provinces in the near term.

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 Patani 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.