Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, Deputy National Police Chief, provided an update on the bombings at 11 gas stations. He emphasized the urgent need to learn lessons and revise security plans to close vulnerabilities and prevent similar incidents. He said it is still unclear whether there is any political connection. Regarding whether intelligence failed, he confirmed that all parties are working strongly but it is too early to draw conclusions as the events just occurred.
On 13 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, Deputy National Police Chief, disclosed progress on the case of attackers planting bombs at 11 locations in the southern border provinces. The commander of the 9th Provincial Police Region has been continuously reporting the situation and investigation progress. Currently, police are actively pursuing the suspects.
The Deputy Police Chief said that after the incidents, forensic police in the area inspected the scenes together with forensic experts from central agencies, starting to obtain some leads on the perpetrators. The forensic analysis is now in an in-depth phase. Once clarity is achieved or suspects are arrested, the public and media will be informed immediately. He emphasized that authorities are reviewing and completely revising their operational plans. The commander of Region 9 provides regular updates, showing positive trends, but further careful examination is required.
The Deputy Police Chief stressed that the incidents have forced all agencies to reconsider their operations, especially security planning, which must be based on a shared understanding among all operational and security units. Work must involve continuous planning and plan adjustments. Any failed plan must be promptly canceled and replaced. Furthermore, it is essential to evaluate how effective the implemented plans have been.
Additionally, the physical conditions of the area must be assessed, especially border zones, local lifestyles, travel routes, and natural pathways, which may be exploited by attackers taking advantage of the terrain. Officials’ operations must balance state security strictness with citizens’ rights and livelihoods. Excessive strictness could disrupt villagers’ daily lives, while too much leniency might create security gaps. This balance must be adjusted appropriately to the situation.
Regarding whether intelligence failed, Pol. Gen. Samran affirmed that all state agencies are still working strongly and no conclusion can be made at this time since the incidents occurred recently. Evidence must be fully gathered first. When asked if political motives were involved, he said it remains unclear and a detailed investigation is awaited.
The Deputy Police Chief admitted that after the incidents, all sectors must integrate their work closely, holding meetings to set future prevention measures. Lessons must be drawn from previous plans to identify weaknesses and improve plans to suit the area’s conditions and situation, aiming to prevent further violence in the southern border provinces.