Thai PM Calls Security Meeting Following Southern Incidents

BANGKOK, Aug 24 (TNA) - Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul convened an urgent meeting with top security officials on Monday following more than 100 coordinated arson and incendiary attacks across Thailand’s southern border provinces over the weekend.

The security discussions at Government House included National Intelligence Agency Director Thanat Suwannanon and National Security Council Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad. Officials were evaluating response measures and intelligence coordination after delays in warning systems drew criticism.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that while authorities had prior intelligence regarding potential unrest, operational readiness must be tightened.

The incidents on the night of Aug. 22 targeted multiple infrastructure and municipal sites across Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani provinces. 

Explosives damaged railway tracks between Marubo and Tanyong Mat stations in Narathiwat, prompting the State Railway of Thailand to temporarily suspend services on southern routes bound for Sungai Kolok, while short-haul routes continue to operate normally. 

In Pattani's Yaring district, a bomb attack targeting a convenience store triggered a fire that completely destroyed the premises.

Meanwhile, in Pattani's Panare district, a group of armed individuals restrained security guards before damaging municipal vehicles and detonating an explosive device near a guard post.

In Narathiwat, authorities in Narathiwat detained one suspect identified from CCTV footage for damaging security cameras in Cho-airong district. The suspect remains in custody for questioning, though he denies the allegations. 

Security forces have since heightened precautionary measures across major urban areas, including Yala city, establishing additional checkpoints to maintain public safety. -819 (TNA)