Govt to boost Malaysia ties over southern blasts

The government is stepping up efforts to address the renewed violence in the southernmost provinces following a series of bomb attacks, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul scheduled to hold talks with Malaysian leaders on July 9-10 to seek more concrete solutions to the long-running insurgency. Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he had received reports from the governors of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat regarding the recent bombings. He said the initial reports involved incidents in two provinces, but authorities later confirmed another explosion in Tak Bai district of Narathiwat. Mr Phiphat described the attacks as part of an organised operation, adding that the National Security Council (NSC) and Mr Anutin, who chairs the council, are working on measures to address the situation. NSC secretary-general Chatchai Bangchuad said authorities believe the bombing at a PT gas station on Road No. 15 in tambon Sateng Nok, Muang district, Yala, on Sunday was linked to the ongoing unrest in the southern border provinces. He said investigators suspect the attack was carried out by insurgents because it resembled previous bombings targeting fuel stations in the region. However, officials are continuing to gather evidence before drawing final conclusions. Mr Chatchai also confirmed Mr Anutin will make an official visit to Malaysia on July 9-10, where discussions on reinforcing cooperation to resolve the southern border conflict will be among major agenda items. Meanwhile, the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) has ordered officials to provide assistance to victims of the attacks. Following instructions from SBPAC secretary-general Piyasiri Wattanawarangkul, SBPAC assistant secretary-general Nipon Chaiyai and SBPAC rehabilitation officers visited Al-Ameen Bin Mudo, who was injured in the bombing at the PT Piya gas station on Highway 42 in Yaring district, Pattani, on Sunday. The victim suffered temporary hearing loss and chest tightness but remains conscious and is receiving close medical care. During the visit, officials checked on his condition, offered words of encouragement, and presented a gift basket on behalf of the SBPAC secretary-general. SBPAC rehabilitation officers also explained the victim's rights and the compensation available under relevant government regulations, while reaffirming that the agency would continue to monitor his recovery and coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure prompt assistance and rehabilitation.