Southern Thailand Explosions Precede Thaksin’s Return
A wave of violence swept through Thailand’s southernmost provinces hours before the arrival of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Sunday, February 23, 2025, casting a long shadow over his first visit to the region in two decades. The bombings, which claimed one life and injured several others, underscored the persistent unrest plaguing the deep south.
The first incident, a deadly explosion in Yala province on Saturday night, shattered the relative calm. At approximately 8:20 p. m., a bomb detonated in front of a Mini BigC supermarket on Highway 10 in Bannang Sata district. The blast, targeting patrolling police officers, tragically killed a civilian, Tuan Ibrawheng Nimi. Seven police officers and four civilians were injured. Investigators, including Pol Maj Worawit Na Nakhon of the Bannang Sata police station, quickly cordoned off the area. Bomb disposal experts discovered the explosive device concealed within a fire extinguisher, packed with shrapnel. The blast damaged numerous vehicles.
The following morning, as anticipation built for Thaksin’s arrival, another explosion rocked Narathiwat province. At approximately 8:50 a. m., a bomb targeted a firefighters' pickup truck parked near the air traffic control tower at Narathiwat airport. The blast, occurring an hour before the former prime minister’s scheduled landing, injured four airport security guards. Authorities swiftly cleared suspicious vehicles from the airport perimeter before Thaksin’s delegation arrived.
Despite the unsettling prelude, Thaksin arrived in Narathiwat accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. The former prime minister reported receiving a warm welcome and planned to visit the neighboring provinces of Pattani and Yala. This visit marks a significant return for Thaksin to a region grappling with long-standing tensions and sporadic violence.
The motive behind the bombings remains unclear, but the timing raises questions about potential connections to Thaksin’s visit. The deep south, a predominantly Muslim region with a history of separatist movements, has experienced decades of intermittent unrest and violence. Although no group immediately claimed responsibility, the attacks serve as a stark reminder of the region’s complex challenges. The incidents underscore the need for continued peace and reconciliation efforts in this volatile area, even as high-profile figures like Thaksin re-engage. The coming days will undoubtedly see heightened security and investigations into the bombings as authorities strive to maintain order and uncover the truth.
