Security forces conducted on-site inspections of five gas stations in Narathiwat. Investigations revealed the perpetrators belong to a group with a history of major attacks. It is believed some have fled into Malaysia and are hiding in the mountains.
On 13 Jan 2026 GMT+7, updates were provided on the case where militants coordinated and dispersed forces to plant bombs at five fuel stations in five districts of Narathiwat Province: Su-ngai Kolok, Waeng, Cho-airong, Ra-ngae, and Chanae. The attacks occurred late on 11 Jan 2026 GMT+7, causing damage as previously reported.
Investigations and evidence collection at all five sites found that improvised explosive devices were placed inside fire extinguisher containers, each weighing 20 kg. At each location, the bombs were detonated using two systems: timers and remote controls. Targets included fuel pumps, convenience stores, and fuel trucks, aiming to cause damage but not fatalities.
Alongside the investigation, security officials reviewed CCTV footage from each gas station. The perpetrators were mostly dressed in black, armed, and operated in groups of four to six depending on the station's size to suit the task and ensure safe escape after the attacks.
Security agencies and counter-terrorism units from the three southern border provinces analyzed CCTV images capturing the suspects at the bombed stations. Comparing these with footage from previous incidents in the five districts, they noted systematic planning in both the attacks and escapes, including coordinated protection during operations.
Based on assessment and analysis of the incidents, officials are confident the perpetrators are members of an established violent group, possibly reinforced by younger local recruits at each location who monitor for safe operational windows.
Authorities are using this profile to track and investigate to arrest masterminds, leaders, and members of the network responsible for the bombings at five fuel stations in five districts. The groups are identified as: 1. The Cho-airong attackers led by Musoha Jadedeng, previously involved in a gold shop robbery in Su-ngai Kolok. 2. The Ra-ngae group led by Arong Duerapo, known for robbing a bottled water company vehicle and using it for local store robberies.
3. The Chanae group led by Abdula Bula, previously responsible for arson attacks on vehicles and mining machinery. 4. The Waeng group led by Toyep Metarong, linked to a biomass power plant bombing. 5. The Su-ngai Kolok group associated with Toyep Metarong, involved in the Su-ngai Kolok gold shop robbery. Investigations show these five groups coordinated the recent bombings and then split into two escape routes: some fled into the mountains, others crossed natural borders into neighboring countries.
After three days of clearing damaged fuel stations, officials inspected Tan Yong Mas Oil Partnership Ltd. station located in Village 1, Tan Yong Mas Subdistrict, Ra-ngae District. The Provincial Electricity Authority at Tan Yong Mas found that two electrical transformers were damaged by bomb fragments and will need replacement.
Two employees who came to assist officials with damage assessment, speaking on behalf of the absent owner, described the impact. Saraya Busa, the station’s accounting officer for nearly 10 years, said the job is her main income supporting her family. She now faces unemployment with no clear reopening date, affecting her family of four students. She is uncertain about future employment or how to support her children as her income is the primary household source and insufficient for expenses.
Another accounting employee, Niyasmin Je-ngoh, working at the station for two years, expressed shock over the unexpected incident. Though she has no children or spouse, she supports sick relatives and a sibling still studying. She plans to seek other work but currently assists her employer by handling paperwork and accounting tasks to help maintain operations temporarily.