A car bomb explosion in Narathiwat has prompted a security investigation, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pledging continued peace talks and stronger measures to prevent further attacks.
The explosion occurred on Tuesday about 7.20pm outside the former Tanyong police station building in tambon Kaluwo Nuea of Muang district.
Unidentified individuals used a Toyota Soluna loaded with an improvised explosive device, pushing the vehicle towards the police station before it detonated.
The blast damaged nearby property and caused panic among local residents.
Firefighters quickly contained the blaze caused by the explosion, while police, soldiers, EOD officers and forensic experts secured the scene, collected evidence and began a hunt for those responsible.
In response, Mr Anutin on Wednesday said all agencies have been instructed to perform their duties to the fullest, with the highest priority being the protection of residents.
Regarding peace dialogue efforts, he said the efforts would continue under national intelligence chief Thanat Suwannanon, adding that discussions had also been held with Malaysian counterparts.
Mr Anutin said improving intelligence gathering and preventive measures are essential to counter those intent on carrying out such attacks.
According to media sources, deputy Narathiwat governor Wichan Chaisetsampan inspected checkpoints and security posts in the province’s economic safety zone on Monday night.
Meanwhile, the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command condemned the bombing, describing it as a brutal and immoral attack that endangered civilians and security personnel and sought to undermine peace in the area.
The agency said authorities would work together to identify and prosecute those responsible, while urging the public to report suspicious activity through the Isoc Region 4 Forward hotline 1341 or local security units.