The Army Chief of Staff acknowledged the need to revise intelligence operations in the southern region after bombings at 11 gas stations, noting that the perpetrators took advantage of the period when officials relaxed security following the New Year.
On 13 January 2026, General Chaipruk Duangpraphat, Army Chief of Staff and Secretary-General of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), supported Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s directive to urgently review weaknesses in intelligence work following bomb attacks at 11 gas stations across three southern border provinces last weekend. He admitted that major improvements are necessary but asked all parties to encourage the officers involved.
General Chaipruk explained that the attacks resulted from a combination of the perpetrators’ readiness and timing, as they exploited the moment when officials began to reduce vigilance after the New Year festivities. The investigation into possible connections with local political issues or a previous gold robbery is ongoing. Additionally, coordination will be made through Malaysian facilitators to bring this incident into the peace talks forum to review strategies for maintaining stability in the region.