Police Lieutenant General Samran Nuamma hinted that the suspect behind the disturbances in southern Narathiwat is known and that arrest warrants are imminent. He believes the three incidents are connected to the same group and preparations are underway to adjust tactics and surveillance, as the perpetrators continuously change their attack plans.
On 23 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Police Lieutenant General Samran Nuamma, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, disclosed the violent situation in the three southern border provinces. Recently, in Si Sakhon District, Narathiwat Province, a construction foreman was shot dead while working; a car bomb exploded at the old police station in Mueang District, Narathiwat; and gunmen killed five rangers at the checkpoint in Ra-ngae District, Narathiwat. He believes these three incidents are linked as acts of terrorism by insurgents aiming to disrupt peace. Today, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered urgent and strict measures to arrest the perpetrators quickly. Progress has been made; the terrorist group has been identified, and arrest warrants are being prepared for suspects across all three areas, though some warrants have already been issued.
Regarding the pursuit of suspects, the police will take the lead. Although General Chaipruk Duangprapat, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army and secretary of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), visited Narathiwat and vowed to relentlessly chase the perpetrators, the police will collaborate with the military. For prevention, instructions have been given to revise tactics and surveillance, as the perpetrators continuously alter their methods, enabling them to infiltrate military checkpoints. The exact structure of these checkpoints is unknown, but they generally comprise five components.
Concerning the car bomb incident at the old Tan Yong police station in Mueang District, it was confirmed that officers were not off duty because the location is at a curve and roundabout—a decision point for turning or going straight. This caused the perpetrators to jump out of the vehicle and let the car drive into the target.
Regarding concerns that the multiple incidents occurring within three days indicate negligence by officials or the Region 9 Police Commander, Police Lieutenant General Samran stated that the plan must be revised. The plan includes both equipment and personnel, but it does not mean the Region 9 Police Commander has performed poorly. He has worked diligently, but improvements to the plan are acknowledged as necessary.
As for the incident at the old Tan Yong police station, located only 20 meters from a significant site, which has raised questions about whether the Region 9 Police Commander should be transferred, Police Lieutenant General Samran said that repeated incidents require plan adjustments. However, he denied that such discussions imply or signal any intention to relocate the Region 9 Police Commander.
At the end, when a reporter asked about the 16th Royal Thai Police Commissioner, who has a seven-year service term, and how he plans to shape the organization's image, Police Lieutenant General Samran did not answer and walked into the elevator heading to the office.