Internal Security Command Region 4 announced progress in the case of bombings at 11 gas stations across three southern border provinces, revealing key evidence linking the unrest to the BRN group. They have escalated security measures to the highest level and implemented a comprehensive compensation plan for all affected parties.
At 10:00 a.m. on 13 January 2026, at the Public Relations Center of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front in Khao Tum Subdistrict, Yarang District, Pattani Province, security agencies from three sectors—the Internal Security Command Region 4 Front, the Southern Border Provinces Police, and the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center—jointly announced progress in the investigation of bombings targeting 11 gas stations in the three southern border provinces on 11 January 2026. They disclosed key evidence linking the incidents to the BRN group, along with raising security measures to the highest level and outlining a compensation plan for all affected parties.
The briefing was attended by Colonel Yutthanam Phetmuang, spokesperson for the Internal Security Command Region 4 Front; Police Colonel Thatchaphichai Janwaranont, Deputy Commander of the Southern Border Provinces Investigation Division; and Lieutenant Colonel Ched Aksornrat, Director of the Promotion and Support Division for Security Development at the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center.
Colonel Yutthanam Phetmuang, spokesperson for the Internal Security Command Region 4 Front, revealed that the violent groups attempted attacks around New Year and on the anniversary of the 4 January 2026 gun robbery, but were thwarted by tight security. The perpetrators then exploited the night of 10 to 11 January 2026, when most security personnel were occupied with National Children’s Day events and local election preparations. Their main objective was to disrupt the economic system and create symbolic unrest.
Police Colonel Thatchaphichai Janwaranont, Deputy Commander of the Southern Border Provinces Investigation Division, stated that key evidence from the crime scenes showed the perpetrators used "improvised explosive devices" placed inside gas and fire extinguisher tanks, detonated by digital and remote control systems. Cartridge cases found at Thasap gas station linked the use of an M16 rifle involved in 22 previous cases. The AK-102 rifle found has ties to prior violent incidents, including the 2019 attack on the Lamphaya Village Defense Volunteers, which killed 15 people, and the 2024 shooting of an imam. The coordinated attacks occurred simultaneously at 00:50, confirming a connection to the unrest and attributing responsibility to the BRN group.
Authorities have immediately ordered a review of security plans for key economic areas in the three southern border provinces and four districts of Songkhla Province. The focus is on increasing patrols and setting up checkpoints to intercept escape routes, tightening border controls to prevent illegal departures, and conducting in-depth intelligence analysis in cooperation with domestic and international agencies.
Regarding compensation, Lieutenant Colonel Ched Aksornrat, Director of the Promotion and Support Division for Security Development at the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, summarized initial physical injuries: nine people were wounded (two officials and seven civilians). Preliminary assessments of property damage involve 20 operators and citizens—11 operators—with damage including 11 gas station buildings, 202 fuel pumps, nine restaurants and shops, 11 convenience stores, two Amazone stores, seven prayer hall offices, one garage, two damaged oil trucks, and one damaged oil delivery point. Civilian property damage includes nine persons affected, with four cars, two motorcycles, one mobile phone, and two houses damaged. The total estimated damage across all 11 sites is approximately 118 million baht, divided as follows: Pattani Province over 26 million baht, Narathiwat Province over 38 million baht, and Yala Province over 53 million baht.
Compensation guidelines are as follows: injury payments range from 10,000 to 50,000 baht depending on severity; death or disability compensation is 500,000 baht. Property damage assessments will be completed within 2–4 weeks, with advance payments of 50% of the initial estimated value to enable operators to recover quickly and restore public confidence.
The Internal Security Command Region 4 Front, the Southern Border Provinces Police, and the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center condemn these acts aimed at harming the livelihoods of the people. They warn that harboring or supporting the perpetrators carries penalties of up to two years imprisonment or fines up to 40,000 baht. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the hotline at 1341, available 24 hours.