Kathmandu— At least three people were wounded and numerous local government offices and vehicles damaged or destroyed in 51 coordinated attacks across southern Thailand late Saturday, according to the military's Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC). The incidents, which involved arson and incendiary devices, occurred primarily in Narathiwat province, with additional attacks reported in neighboring Yala and Pattani provinces. Authorities have imposed a curfew in Narathiwat following the unrest, as investigations into the coordinated assaults continue.

Widespread Damage Reported

The ISOC stated that multiple coordinated incidents aimed at creating unrest occurred between 8pm local time Saturday and midnight. Footage from Thai PBS showed firefighters battling blazes ignited by burning tires left in roadways and inside a 7-Eleven convenience store, while police conducted heightened security checks on motorists. A vehicle was stolen from a subdistrict administrative organization office in Narathiwat during one attack, later discovered abandoned after being burned out. The national railway operator temporarily suspended service along a portion of track in Narathiwat due to damage caused by a bombing.

Civilian Injuries and Curfew Imposed

Two women, aged 45 and 46, and a 21-year-old man sustained injuries in a roadside bombing within Narathiwat province. All three victims were hospitalized and reported to be in stable condition. In response to the attacks, authorities implemented an overnight curfew in Narathiwat, effective from Saturday night until 6am on Sunday. Narathiwat Governor Boonchuay Homyamyen stated that concerned agencies are currently investigating attack sites, including government offices, telecommunications towers and electrical poles.

Long-Running Conflict Fuels Violence

The attacks occurred against the backdrop of a decades-long low-level conflict in Thailand’s southernmost provinces. Since 2004, more than 7,000 people have been killed as rebels seek greater autonomy for the predominantly Muslim region. Army commander for the southern region Norathip Poinok said that intelligence reports had indicated potential attacks on local offices for approximately two months, but authorities lacked specific information regarding timing and location. He added that the assailants aimed to destroy buildings and undermine public trust in the state.

Peace Talks Expected to Resume

Formal talks between the Thai government and the National Revolutionary Front (BRN), the main separatist group in the south, are anticipated to resume in June following a recent surge in violence. These negotiations have faced challenges in resolving disagreements concerning self-government, security measures, and political representation. Thanut Suvarnananda, head of Thailand’s National Intelligence Agency, has expressed a desire to shift away from transactional approaches and foster a partnership with the BRN to address community demands across the region.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to visit Hat Yai in Songkhla province next week alongside cabinet members to discuss investment projects, flood prevention, and security concerns.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.