A series of bomb explosions rocked the southern border provinces of Thailand just before the scheduled visit of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Sunday morning. The attacks have left one civilian dead and several others injured, raising tensions in the already volatile region.

Car Bomb Attack in Yala Leaves 1 Dead, 18 Injured

In Yala province, a bomb exploded in front of a supermarket in the Bannang Sata district on Saturday night at approximately 8:20 PM. The blast occurred on Highway 10 in Moo 2 village, tambon Bannang Sata, while seven local police officers were patrolling the area.

The explosion killed a civilian and injured the seven police officers, along with four other civilians. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

An investigative inspector at the Bannang Sata police station, confirmed the details of the attack and stated that authorities are investigating the incident.

The bombings come just before the highly anticipated visit of Thaksin Shinawatra, the controversial former Prime Minister of Thailand, to the deep South. Thaksin’s visit has sparked mixed reactions, as the region has long been plagued by insurgency and violence.

Also, a bomb explosion rocked Narathiwat Airport in Muang district just before the arrival of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his delegation on Sunday morning. The incident, which occurred at approximately 8:50 AM, injured four airport security guards and heightened tensions in the already volatile southern border provinces of Thailand.

BREAKING! (23/02 09:00) Separatist insurgents detonated bomb hidden in pickup truck near Narathiwat airport’s air traffic control tower, one hour before ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra arrived! #insurgency #WhatsHappeningInThailand #ทักษิณ pic.twitter.com/U96R6czbMR

— Sunai (@sunaibkk) February 23, 2025

The bomb exploded on a pickup truck parked near the air traffic control tower at Narathiwat Airport. The blast occurred about an hour before Thaksin’s scheduled arrival, prompting officials to take immediate action to secure the area.

Despite the explosion, Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in Narathiwat as planned, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. This marked Thaksin’s first visit to the deep South in about two decades, a region that has long been plagued by insurgency and violence.

The southern border provinces of Thailand, including Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, have experienced decades of conflict between Thai security forces and insurgent groups seeking greater autonomy. The timing of the explosions has led to speculation about whether the attacks were intended to disrupt Thaksin’s visit or send a political message.

Thaksin Shinawatra, a polarizing figure in Thai politics, has maintained significant influence despite living in self-imposed exile for years. His visit to the deep South is seen as an attempt to reconnect with his support base and address longstanding issues in the region.

Seven injured in a sidecar explosion in Narathiwat province

However, the bombings have cast a shadow over his trip, highlighting the ongoing instability and security challenges in the area. Authorities have heightened security measures to ensure the safety of Thaksin and the local population during his visit.

-Thailand News (TN)