Malaysia has warned its citizens to delay visits to southern Thailand following violent incidents in the border city of Sungai Kolok, a popular destination among Malaysians, as well as in Pattani.
The Malaysian Police Inspector-General, Razarudin Husain, on Sunday advised postponing any trips to southern Thailand, according to Malaysian media.
In response, Malaysian security forces have increased patrols and enhanced security measures along the border near the Sungai Kolok district to prevent insurgents from crossing into Malaysia via the Kolok River, he stated.
He issued these advisories after a series of bombings and shootings in Sungai Kolok, part of Narathiwat province, on Saturday night.
Initial reports identified three bombing sites in the city; however, further details revealed a fourth incident, an explosion at a traffic island behind Maharat Stadium that resulted in no casualties.
The attacks, which included bombings and shootings around 7:10 PM at the district office, resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to at least eight defense volunteers, with four civilians also sustaining injuries from the assailants dressed in black.
According to a security officer, the explosions severely damaged the district office and a nearby auditorium building, with the blasts also affecting several vehicles parked on the premises.
Additional explosions occurred in the districts of Sungai Padi and Waeng in Narathiwat, and in the Sai Buri district in Pattani.
The Isuzu pickup used by the attackers, who were dressed in black Islamic Dawah clothing, was later found abandoned on a dirt track within a palm oil plantation in the Sungai Padi district, discovered by the chief of Ban Kuwa village who promptly notified the authorities.
Fourth Army Commander Lt Gen Pisal Noosang visited Sungai Kolok on Sunday and ordered an escalation in protective measures at government buildings, public facilities, and other critical sites that could be potential targets, according to the Public Relations Office of Narathiwat.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended her sympathies to the injured and the bereaved families, assuring them of prompt and equitable financial aid.
