The Army Chief confirmed that all agencies are urgently reviewing and improving intelligence after bombings at 11 gas stations in the three southern border provinces. There are no reports linking these incidents to the gold heist case. He suggested the perpetrators may have exploited the vigilance period following the New Year.
Update on the case where perpetrators caused unrest by bombing and setting fire to PTT gas stations at 11 locations in the three southern border provinces on 11 Jan 2026, as previously reported.
On 13 Jan 2026, General Chaipruk Duangpraphat, Army Chief of Staff, responded to media questions about intelligence improvements, stating that all agencies are already working on this. Each unit collaborates in the area. After the incident, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, acting as Director of Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), and Army Commander General Pana Klaoploetuk, Deputy Director of ISOC, ordered all units to urgently review what needs improvement and to develop capabilities to handle such events. As Secretary-General of ISOC, he will assess how to support the Front Region 4 ISOC, especially in intelligence, where enhancements are needed.
Regarding concerns about intelligence lapses, the Army Chief explained that multiple agencies operate in the area, and encouragement is necessary. There may be some weaknesses, and any areas needing improvement will be reviewed and assessed carefully to avoid demoralizing local units.
Asked whether political factors influenced the incidents, the Army Chief said intelligence reports indicate a combination of factors: appropriate timing, readiness of perpetrators, and the period of heightened vigilance since the New Year. Despite constant monitoring, certain times may have been less guarded, allowing the incidents to occur. Further assessment is needed.
On whether the bombings are linked to the gold heist case, the Army Chief said agencies are continuously monitoring. He has not yet received any reports confirming a connection.
Asked if the peace dialogue committee would have a role in managing this situation, the Army Chief said it could, but requires notifying Malaysia’s facilitator about the incidents and reviewing whether talks need to be adjusted.