Satun:Yala The authorities indicated that the border situation had not escalated and viewed the local community as not being a direct party to the conflict.
According to Thai News Agency, the Yala Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) chairman stated that the border situation has not escalated and that local authorities are not directly involved in the conflict. Meanwhile, the Satun PAO chairman revealed that the public is on high alert, monitoring people entering and leaving the area for fear of impacting tourism, and believes outsiders are creating the situation.
Mr. Mukhtar Matha, the President of the Yala Provincial Administrative Organization, spoke about the situation in the southern border provinces, stating that in the past, the Provincial Administrative Organization has played a role in understanding and participating with the people through various projects and activities. In particular, on Fridays, they go out into the community to provide healthcare and receive complaints from the public, thereby encouraging public involvement in building understanding, development, and resolving problems in the area.
When asked whether local authorities had assessed the causes of the situation, Mr. Mukhtar said that there had been several incidents in the past that affected the situation in the area. Security agencies have information, but the Provincial Administrative Organization's (PAO) focus is on building understanding. Security is one dimension that is being integrated in the area. He also viewed the incidents as not being more violent than usual, but rather expanding to Songkhla and Satun provinces, and that local authorities are not directly in conflict with the perpetrators.
Mr. Samrit Liengprasit, President of the Satun Provincial Administrative Organization, stated that security measures have been upgraded, with increased vigilance and patrols. Regarding the overall situation in Satun province, the Governor has invited all sectors to a meeting to discuss the matter, focusing on inspecting vehicles entering the province. However, judging from the nature of the incident, it appears to be an attempt to create a situation without intent to cause death. He believes the bombings have significantly impacted Satun's tourism sector, as they occurred at two entry points into the city, as well as in Songkhla and Trang provinces.
Following this, it is anticipated that no further incidents will occur, but at the same time, the public has been urged to be vigilant regarding individuals entering and leaving the area. Several groups of people have also expressed their opposition to the incident through social media. It is acknowledged that Satun province is a peaceful city, and therefore it is believed that the incident was not carried out by local people.
Mr. Samrit further stated that the incident, which injured three people in a school bus, involved a timed bomb that was not triggered by a remote control but by a timer. The explosion occurred as the bus passed by, indicating that the situation was not yet serious enough to threaten civilian lives. Local residents have also become more cautious.