PATTANI — 23 August 2026, At least 15 armed attackers reportedly seized two security guards at a municipal office in Pattani before splitting into groups to set fire to vehicles and buildings and plant an explosive, with authorities believing unidentified civilian supporters may have helped facilitate the attack.
The incident took place at around 21:00, at Phoming Subdistrict Municipality in Panare district, Pattani province.
The attackers reportedly entered the municipal compound before setting fire to property and planting an explosive, causing extensive damage.
As of the morning of 24 August, officials had sealed off the municipal office and prohibited unauthorized people from entering amid concerns that additional explosives could have been hidden inside the building and might endanger officials conducting inspections.
Forensic officers and bomb disposal teams were expected to enter the site to examine the scene and collect evidence.
Initial inspections found extensive damage to municipal property. Four municipal vehicles were damaged: a fire engine, a garbage truck, a pickup truck and an ambulance.
The attackers also set fire to equipment inside the municipal building. An improvised explosive device was placed near the security booth, damaging the structure and scattering explosive fragments around the area.
An initial investigation found that two municipal security guards were on duty at the security booth when the attackers arrived.
At least 15 armed men reportedly approached from behind the building through a wooded area. They went directly to the guards, restrained them and tied their hands behind their backs with cable ties before taking them away from the security booth.
One group went to the vehicle garage and smashed the windows on the driver’s side of the vehicles before pouring fuel inside the passenger compartments and setting them on fire. All four vehicles parked in the garage were damaged.
Another group reportedly used bolt cutters to force open metal bars covering a window and entered the municipal office. They poured fuel inside and set it alight, apparently attempting to destroy the entire building.
However, firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze before it spread throughout the structure.
A third group placed an improvised explosive device near the security booth.
After completing their operation, the attackers fled toward the rear of the municipal office.
About 30 minutes later, the bomb detonated, damaging the security booth and scattering fragments across the surrounding area.
Firefighters from neighboring municipalities arrived and helped bring the blaze under control.
Officials suspect civilian facilitators helped attackers
Authorities are continuing to collect evidence, including CCTV footage and physical evidence from the scene.
Investigators initially believe the attack involved not only the same network of insurgent-linked operatives previously responsible for incidents in the area, but also what officials described as “white-faced” supporters — people who allegedly assist attacks but do not have outstanding arrest warrants.
According to the authorities’ assessment, such individuals may have helped scout routes, facilitate the attackers’ movements and assist them in escaping and finding places to hide.
Officials said the coordinated attacks required a large number of people because different groups had to perform different roles, including watching for approaching authorities, carrying out the attacks, assisting the attackers’ escape and providing hiding places.
Authorities said that, including the latest incident, there have now been 14 incidents in Pattani province alone, involving at least 80 people.
They believe the size and coordination of the operation indicate that the group may have relied on additional civilian supporters.
Officials believe the attackers were part of the same network and had coordinated their roles in advance as part of a wider campaign to create unrest across Thailand’s three southern border provinces.
