Thai authorities have imposed an immediate curfew in Narathiwat province, including the border town of Sungai Golok, following a series of violent incidents across the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat on Sunday.
Narathiwat Province Police Commander Major General Prayong Kotsakha said the curfew, which is in effect from 9pm to 5am, aims to maintain public order and strengthen security in the affected areas.
He said both police and military personnel have been instructed to intensify checks at border checkpoints to prevent suspects from fleeing.
“Efforts to track down the suspects are being carried out around the clock by all enforcement agencies,” he said.
The Narathiwat Task Force said the curfew was imposed after coordinated attacks targeted 11 petrol stations across the three southern provinces. The incidents involved arson and explosions, injuring one police officer and three army personnel.
Five of the attacked petrol stations were located in Narathiwat.
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that no Malaysians have been directly affected by the incidents. However, it advised Malaysians in or travelling to the affected areas to remain vigilant, avoid high-security zones and comply with instructions from local authorities.
The conflict in southern Thailand, which began in 2004, has claimed thousands of lives, with separatist insurgents in the Muslim-majority region bordering Malaysia fighting for greater autonomy.
