Arson attacks on convenience stores and bombings at gas stations occurred at 11 locations across three southern provinces. Authorities found two groups involved, with one believed to be the group responsible for attacks in 2022. Forensic evidence results are pending to confirm this.
On 12 Jan 2026 GMT+7, reporters provided updates on the investigation into sabotage of 11 PTT gas stations in Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani provinces. Notably, two gas stations in Pattani were damaged.
Recently, security investigation units conducted inquiries prior to the incidents. It is believed that the perpetrators were led by Abdullo, a bomb maker and operations leader with an outstanding security warrant in the area, who coordinated planning with local allies in the districts bordering the city.
The bombs were assembled locally about two days before the coordinated attacks across the three provinces. Surveillance footage from before and after the incidents, including cameras inside the PTT station on the Pattani-Narathiwat road in Bana subdistrict, showed about five suspects arriving on three motorcycles from the Guwing village area, heading toward the gas station.
The assailants, with concealed faces and armed with military-grade guns, stormed the security guard, planted explosives near the fuel storage tank, and fled on motorcycles within five minutes. The bombs detonated shortly after their escape.
Investigators have identified all five suspects but have not disclosed their identities, awaiting forensic results to verify the information. This group is the same one responsible for the November 15, 2022, bombing and arson of this PTT gas station.
At another PTT station on the Kapo-Saiburi road in Karubi subdistrict, witness interviews and CCTV footage revealed seven suspects on four motorcycles, all masked and armed. They came from inside a village and split into two groups upon arrival: one group entered the convenience store, forced employees out, and set it on fire; the other planted four homemade bombs—three near the fuel pumps and one in front of the coffee shop—before fleeing the scene. The store was completely destroyed by fire. One bomb failed to detonate and was safely defused by authorities.
This attack is attributed to a group led by Mad Saifudin and associates. Authorities have identified suspects and await forensic confirmation. This operational group previously carried out attacks in Kapo, Saiburi, and Thung Yang Daeng districts.