Multiple arson attacks likely the work of insurgents

The attacks, which saw no civilian casualties, were carried out by “teenagers with a differing stance” who are active in all areas under insurgent influence, said NSC secretary-general Paradorn Patthanatabutr yesterday at a Government House press conference.

“There have been efforts to disrupt and derail the peace process, but Thai authorities will continue to push ahead, because those with differing opinions are not great in number, although they are highly capable operatives,” he added.

He said the BRN was being asked to identify the young operatives who he believed were members of splinter groups with connections to the BRN. “They are young people who disagree with senior BRN members on holding a peace dialogue with Thai authorities,” Paradorn said.

Private property, power and telegraph poles were the targets of the arson attacks, six of which were carried out in Yala, four in Pattani and three in two Yawi-speaking districts in Songkhla, according to reports from the Internal Security Operations Command’s forward base in the deep South. 

Local police with jurisdiction in the areas where the attacks occurred said they were compiling security camera footage as part of their investigations into each case.

Paradorn, who was questioned by reporters as to why the fires were set during the Ramadan truce promised by both sides, said it was no longer the middle of Ramadan, but nearing the end of it – a time that was supposed to be the most peaceful. He said the attacks should also be reported to the Malaysian authorities who are facilitating the peace dialogue between Thai authorities and the BRN.