Phiphat sees the bombings at gas stations in three southern provinces as attempts to disrupt and express demands ahead of peace talks early next month. The National Security Council Secretary admits these incidents are linked to unrest in the southern border area and clarifies that the declaration of a restricted zone at Ban Nong Jan is not combat-related.
On 30 June 2026 at the Parliament building, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he had received reports from the governors of the three southern border provinces—Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat—about unrest involving bombings at gas stations. He views these as actions by groups seeking to make demands ahead of peace talks scheduled for early July, chaired by the Prime Minister as head of the National Security Council. The government is working to find the best approach for the negotiations.
"Therefore, before the negotiations begin early next month, there are inevitably violent incidents. Since I am not currently part of the NSC, I will need to ask the Prime Minister or the NSC Secretary for more details. From what I understand, these are expressions of demands related to the upcoming talks. Certainly, in any country worldwide, when groups seek rights, they demonstrate their power to claim them. So, we ask everyone to wait for the negotiations to conclude."
Mr. Chatichai Bangchuad, Secretary of the National Security Council, commented on the bombing that occurred at the PT gas station on Road 15, Sateng Nok Subdistrict, Mueang Yala District, Yala Province, on 28 June, confirming that the council had received reports about the incident.
Regarding whether the incident is connected to unrest in the southern border provinces, Chatichai admitted there is a connection and said further details would be investigated.
When asked if the perpetrators have been identified, Chatichai said initial reports do not clearly indicate who was responsible but it is believed to be insurgent groups, as the method resembles previous attacks at other gas stations.
On whether talks have been held with Malaysia, the NSC Secretary said Malaysia is currently focusing on border control, having closed various crossing points and trying to regulate movement. This shows Malaysia is paying more attention to the border area, which Thailand has long hoped for. Thus, the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit on 9-10 July is a timely opportunity to discuss concrete cooperation.
Chatichai also addressed the recent declaration by the Eastern Forces of a security control area in Ban Nong Jan, Non Mak Mun Subdistrict, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province, saying there is no fighting involved. He confirmed there have been no new incidents; rather, it is routine military preparation to control entry and exit. The situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remains fragile but discussions continue.