"Teng" follows up on progress and relief efforts for those affected by the Narathiwat gas station bombing. The opposition is prepared to push for the procurement of necessary equipment. The military points to BRN's responsibility, with arrest warrants issued, and reveals insufficient personnel, urging political authorities to reconsider the situation.
18 July 2026 GMT+7 Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, party-list Member of Parliament and leader of the People’s Party, serving as opposition leader in the House of Representatives, together with the People’s Party parliamentary commission chairmen—Rangsiman Rome, chairman of the Legal Commission; Ekrach Udom-amnuay, chairman of the Military Commission; and Romadon Panjor, a member of the Legal Commission—visited a gas station in Narathiwat Province affected by unrest in the southern border provinces. They monitored relief progress and the ongoing security situation.
Participating agencies tracking the situation included the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), ISOC Region 4 Front Command, the Deputy Commander of Pattani Provincial Police, and the Superintendent of Saiburi Police Station.
The gas station owner recounted that on 28 June 2026 at 11:00 p.m., they received a call from an unknown number late at night, followed shortly by a loud explosion. The attackers poured fuel and set the gas station on fire. They are currently coordinating with their insurance company, raising concerns about compensation and damage assessment.
, The ISOC reported that the attack was definitely carried out by the BRN. The target of the attack was not clearly specified and depended on the commanders, but six incidents by the same perpetrators have been confirmed, and authorities have issued arrest warrants. The bombs were detonated via remote control and involved fuel being poured, causing the fire to spread extensively.
, The 44th Ranger Regiment confirmed that armed groups and BRN operatives do exist, but due to limited personnel and mission scope, they cannot cover all areas. Troop numbers in the 4th Army Region Front Command have been reduced annually, limiting their ability to conduct regular operations. If full coverage were required, all soldiers and police would have to be deployed to guard, but with fewer personnel, they cannot confront the attackers effectively. They therefore urge political leaders to reconsider troop reduction policies because manpower is insufficient. Regular personnel are not equipped to confront the attackers everywhere, so officials must prioritize protecting the most critical areas first.
Nattapong stated, The opposition is ready to support and promote the procurement of necessary equipment for duty, especially for apprehending suspects, as we already know the identities of those responsible. .
