Major General Yodawut Phuengpak, Commander of Narathiwat Task Force, announced the imposition of martial law over the area to pursue and apprehend insurgents, granting military personnel full decisive authority to use weapons immediately under the principles of necessity and proportionality.
On 24 July 2026, it was reported that Major General Yodawut Phuengpak, Commander of Narathiwat Task Force, signed order number 131/2569 authorizing military personnel to exercise powers under the Martial Law Act of 1914 to conduct sieges, searches, and maintain order within Narathiwat Province.
The order states that violent attacks involving shootings and explosives targeted Ranger Task Force 45 on 22 July 2026, causing fatalities. The perpetrators remain at large within Narathiwat, posing threats to lives, property, and local peace. Therefore, it is necessary to deploy military, police, and civilian forces to pursue and arrest suspects, exercising powers under Sections 6, 8, 9, 11, and 15 bis of the Martial Law Act of 1914, as well as Fourth Army Region order 790/2568 appointing military officials with such authority. The order directs military and civilian personnel to perform duties accordingly.
1. Expand operational powers by authorizing military personnel to establish checkpoints on public routes, search vehicles and residences, and immediately arrest and detain individuals suspected of involvement in insurgency activities.
2. Permit officials to use weapons immediately upon encountering violent perpetrators who pose dangers to personnel, in accordance with the principles of necessity and proportionality.
3. Authorize military personnel operating in Narathiwat Province to conduct security operations, including searches, to track and apprehend violent offenders.
4. Require civilian personnel to assist military officials as needed in operations, suppression, or maintaining order within the area.
5. This order takes effect from the date of signing and remains in force until further notice or modification.
Furthermore, Lieutenant General Norathip Phoynok, Commander of the Fourth Army Region, disclosed this order during a press conference at the Southern Marine Task Force's flight section reception room on 23 July 2025 GMT+7. The briefing covered updates on the car bomb case at the old Tan Yong police station and the armed bombing attack on the Bukesami checkpoint, following which Major General Yodawut Phuengpak declared martial law in Narathiwat a day earlier on 22 July 2026.