Pattani: Last night, two explosions took place at PT gas stations in Pattani province. The first explosion was reported at the PT gas station in Pawa, Sai Buri district, followed by another at the PT gas station in Bo Muang, Yaharing district. Meanwhile, in Yala province, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams successfully recovered and destroyed explosive devices after an incident at a gas station on Highway 15.
According to Thai News Agency, local residents quickly informed authorities upon witnessing the flames, allowing them to extinguish the fire. At the PT gas station in Sai Buri district, two residents experienced minor injuries, including chest tightness and ringing in the ears due to the explosion.
This morning, bomb disposal and forensic teams arrived at the scene to gather evidence and investigate the perpetrators. Safety measures have been implemented by cordoning off the area. Investigations at the Bo Muang branch in Yaharing District showed that the gas station was closed, with only a security guard present at the time.
Witnesses reported that at least six assailants, dressed in black and armed, arrived on motorcycles at the gas station, forcing security guards to flee. The group split, with one maintaining surveillance while the other placed two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the gas pumps. The first bomb exploded shortly after, causing a severe fire, and was followed by a second explosion, which significantly damaged the gas pumps and the building. No injuries were reported at this location.
A similar attack occurred at the Pawa branch in Sai Buri district, where perpetrators employed IEDs and fuel, damaging the building and gas pumps. Two individuals, including a gas station employee and a local resident, were injured but are now in stable condition.
In Yala province, authorities are investigating three gas station attacks where gunmen detonated explosives, causing severe fires, firing shots before further detonations. This morning, the bomb disposal unit retrieved remaining explosives. Evidence has been sent for forensic examination to aid in identifying those responsible.
An explosion at a gas station on Highway 15 in Sateng Nok Subdistrict, Mueang Yala District, resulted in flames and smoke. Authorities acted swiftly to manage the situation, extinguish the fire, and secure the area. An EOD team conducted a thorough site investigation.
Following these events, the Governor of Yala Province and relevant officials have taken control of the situation. The area remains cordoned off, with investigations underway. There were no initial reports of injuries or fatalities, though witnesses saw six men dressed in black entering the gas station and firing shots before evacuating employees and the public.
In the aftermath, the EOD unit of the Yala Provincial Police, along with the Forensic Science Center 10, inspected the scene. They discovered an IED with a remote control inside a fire extinguisher, which had not exploded. Officers safely disabled it using a signal jammer, and another detonated bomb was recovered and destroyed. Evidence is now with the Forensic Science Division for identification.
Authorities suspect these attacks are linked to insurgent groups in the southern border provinces, aiming to instill fear and disrupt peace and the economy. Investigations are ongoing, utilizing CCTV footage to identify and apprehend those responsible. Enhanced security measures have been ordered in urban and community areas.