Security measures have been intensified in Thailand’s southern provinces and national parks following the discovery and safe defusal of three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including two found at Noppharat Thara Beach and one near a wooden sculpture in Krabi town.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has since instructed the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to increase surveillance and safety protocols in protected areas, particularly within and around the three southernmost provinces — Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The directive follows the June 24 incident in Krabi, where two IEDs were located inside Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.
Attapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the department, confirmed that his teams are conducting enhanced patrols in high-risk zones to prevent further threats. One of the devices was discovered near an abandoned motorcycle on mosque grounds, while the remaining two were recovered in park territory.
In a related development, authorities in Pattani province detained three individuals during coordinated raids across four sites. These operations are tied to the recent arrests of two suspects in Phang-nga province. Bomb-making components and plans targeting tourism hotspots in Phuket, Krabi, and Phang-nga were reportedly seized.
Separately, a violent incident occurred late Wednesday in Pattani’s Sai Buri district, where approximately ten insurgents attacked the Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO) office of Paen sub-district. According to an initial police report, the group breached the compound under the cover of darkness, restrained two security guards at gunpoint, and set fire to the TAO office and four vehicles, including a fire truck.
Authorities stated that the building suffered extensive damage, and all vehicles involved were completely destroyed. The incident is believed to be part of a broader escalation of insurgent activity in the region.
Officials continue to investigate the attacks while reinforcing measures to ensure the safety of both locals and tourists in affected areas.
