KOTA BARU: Thai authorities have imposed an immediate curfew in Narathiwat, including Sungai Golok town on the Malaysia-Thailand border, following a spate of violent incidents in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat on Sunday.
Narathiwat Province Police Commander Major General Prayong Kotsakha said the curfew, which runs from 9pm to 5am, is part of efforts to safeguard public order and security in the region.
Both Thai police and military personnel have been instructed to step up checks at border checkpoints to prevent suspects from fleeing the area.
“Efforts to track down the suspects have been carried out round the clock by all enforcement agencies,” he said.
The Narathiwat Task Force said the curfew was imposed after 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 affected petrol stations were in Narathiwat.
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that no Malaysians have been directly affected. It advised Malaysians in or travelling to the affected areas to remain vigilant, avoid high-security zones, and comply with local authorities’ instructions.
Conflict in the southern Thailand since 2004 has killed thousands, as rebels in the Muslim-majority region bordering Malaysia battle for greater autonomy.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd