The governor and security agencies provided updates on the unrest across the three southern border provinces, revealing 40 incidents in Narathiwat. They have intensified security measures and are using technology to assist in detection. The three injured persons are now safe, and there is a goal to distribute compensation within 10 days.
On 23 August 2026 at the Phakdi Bodin Room, 4th floor of Narathiwat Rajanagarindra Hospital, Muang District, Narathiwat province, Mr. Boonchuay Homyamyen, governor of Narathiwat, Pol. Maj. Gen. Prayong Kot Sakha, commander of Narathiwat Provincial Police, Col. Anirut Dittapracha, deputy commander of the Narathiwat Task Force, and Dr. Pornprasit Chantra, director of Narathiwat Rajanagarindra Hospital, jointly held a briefing to provide an overview and clarify the facts following the large-scale unrest across Narathiwat province on the night of 22 August 2026.
Mr. Boonchuay Homyamyen, governor of Narathiwat, expressed his deepest condolences to the people of Narathiwat who have suffered disruptions to their lives due to the unrest that began around 8:00 p.m. on the night of 22 August 2026, totaling 40 incidents.
These incidents fall into four main categories: nine arson attacks targeting four subdistrict administrative offices, one rubber wood purchasing factory, two private homes, and various vehicles including five government cars, four private cars, and 18 other vehicles such as trucks, excavators, and buses. Fifteen bombings targeted infrastructure such as power poles, railway tracks, and economic areas. Thirteen acts of property destruction included burning tires on main roads and damaging CCTV cameras. One ambush shooting occurred in Chanae District.
The governor spoke with a heavy heart, saying the incidents have affected innocent people; train services were disrupted, power outages impacted bedridden patients, and subdistrict offices were burned, preventing vulnerable groups from accessing government services. He admitted, “I was sleepless all night” and had to review security measures thoroughly. He also urged the public to condemn the perpetrators and help by reporting information to authorities.
Regarding relief measures, the province aims to provide compensation for property damage as quickly as possible, expecting about 10 days, similar to a previous gasoline station case. The provincial Red Cross and labor department are caring for the injured. Additionally, a tripartite meeting will be held to adjust tactics, involving private sector participation and employing CCTV and AI technology to detect suspects. Plans are also underway to request additional forces in 2027.
Col. Anirut Dittapracha, deputy commander of the Narathiwat Task Force, explained that the incidents were exploited by perpetrators taking advantage of the time when most people were engaged in religious ceremonies, coordinating simultaneous attacks across multiple locations. Some perpetrators may have planned for six months to a year waiting for an opportunity. Regarding rumors and social media suspicions that military helicopters fired on civilians, Col. Anirut firmly denied these claims as completely untrue.
“The unit confirms that helicopters are used solely for aerial patrol and reconnaissance to support ground operations. There are absolutely no weapons installed on the helicopters. Flights provide an overview from above, especially over subdistrict offices and groups of youths riding motorcycles, to relay information via radio for ground units to conduct safe and timely inspections.”
The curfew and area control measures have ended since 6:00 a.m. this morning, with no need for further declarations. Normal laws are still enforced jointly by the three agencies to maintain order.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Prayong Kot Sakha, commander of Narathiwat Provincial Police, condemned the perpetrators who caused injury and property damage to innocent citizens. He revealed that Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanpetch, the national police chief, emphasized the importance of meticulous, fair, and verifiable evidence collection at every stage.
The provincial police commander noted that authorities must spend time and exercise great caution when inspecting all 40 incident sites to ensure the safety of forensic teams and prevent evidence contamination. He requested local residents to avoid approaching the sites and assured that investigations will proceed transparently to bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, Dr. Pornprasit Chantra, director of Narathiwat Rajanagarindra Hospital, reported on the condition of the three injured from the unrest who were treated through the hospital’s Fast Track Emergency system as follows.
The first and second injured are women aged 45 and 46, who were caught in a bombing while driving through Bang Po Subdistrict. They suffered external injuries from shrapnel on their arms and legs and experienced chest tightness. Doctors performed surgery to remove shrapnel and treated their wounds successfully. Both are now in stable condition.
The third injured, Mr. Solae Dola, age 21, was injured in Chanae District and sustained the most severe wounds from a gunshot to the abdomen. He underwent emergency surgery overnight where surgeons found a bullet wound penetrating the intestines. They performed bowel resection, abdominal lavage, and wound closure. He has now passed the critical stage and is in recovery under infection monitoring.
Dr. Pornprasit provided additional medical details about Mr. Solae’s injuries: the entry wound near the navel is about 1 centimeter, the exit wound on the back above the waist measures about 2 to 3 centimeters, and the bullet’s trajectory was angled upward about 20–30 degrees, avoiding the pelvic bone.
From surgical experience, these wound characteristics indicate that the destructive power of the weapon was not high and did not cause internal organs to be shattered as with high-powered military arms. However, the exact bullet direction and size will be confirmed after official forensic examination results.