Deputy National Police Chief Somyot Nuamma flew urgently to the south to monitor progress on the bombings at 11 gas stations in one night. Authorities are accelerating identification of suspects using forensic evidence left at the scenes. Meanwhile, the gas cylinders used as evidence are still undergoing in-depth examination to determine whether they originated from neighboring countries.
At 14:30 on 12 January 2026, Deputy National Police Chief Somyot Nuamma, who also commands the Southern Border Provinces Police Operations Center, traveled to Yala province. At the National Police Front Office Operations Center in Mueang District, Yala, he held a meeting to follow up on the incidents where attackers planted bombs and set fires at PTT gas stations across three southern border provinces, totaling 11 locations on 11 January 2026. Present at the meeting were Police Lieutenant General Piyawat Chalermsri, Commander of Region 9 Police; Police Major General Thares Kaewliad, Deputy Commander of Region 9 Police; Police Major General Natthakorn Kanjanaporn, Deputy Commander of Region 9 Police; commanders of police in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat; and commanders of the Southern Border Provinces Police Force units.
Deputy National Police Chief Somyot Nuamma stated that they are not currently focusing on any particular group. Authorities are intensifying efforts to identify the perpetrators using forensic evidence found at the scenes, which will be key to identifying both the individuals and groups responsible. The initial motive is believed to be creating unrest. Officials will examine forensic evidence and CCTV footage to compare with existing criminal databases to determine if the perpetrators are linked to previously active groups in the area.
Measures to protect economic areas and adjustments to security plans at vulnerable points have been tightened. This involves coordinated cooperation among security agencies, military, police, local administration, and border patrol police forces from operational bases working together to safeguard the area.
Regarding reports that the gas cylinders used as evidence came from neighboring countries, the Deputy National Police Chief said the matter is still under in-depth investigation and awaiting official confirmation. Authorities will use this information to further the investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. As for why the attackers targeted PTT gas stations simultaneously at all 11 sites across the three southern border provinces, officials cannot determine the motive until the suspects are apprehended.
The attacks in Yala province occurred at four locations: Site 1 at the PTT gas station in Bannang Sata, Village No. 2, Bannang Sata subdistrict, with one device; Site 2 at the PTT gas station in Kabang, Village No. 1, Bannang Dama village, with two devices; Site 3 at the PTT gas station in Thasap (on the inbound side to Yala city), with four devices; and Site 4 at the PTT gas station branch in Buke Kala, Budi subdistrict, with three devices—two detonated and one defused—along with related incidents in Pattani and Narathiwat provinces.
The bombs used by the perpetrators were improvised explosive devices placed inside red fire extinguishers weighing 13 kg, filled with explosives and cut rebar, with a total weight of approximately 15-20 kg. Detonation was triggered by an electronic digital timer countdown circuit and a remote control circuit connected to a gasoline tank, powered by a 3.7-volt lithium battery.