Thailand's deep south conflict is approaching a critical point

Insurgents frustrated with government but leadership change could boost talks

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat

September 13, 2022 17:00 JST

Clean up begins at a gas station that was burned as part of a wave of arson and bombing attacks in Pattani province, Thailand, in August: The BRN remains militarily effective. © AP

Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat is a lecturer with the Institute for Peace Studies at Prince of Songkla University in Songkhla, Thailand and a former analyst with International Crisis Group.

Coordinated bombing attacks in Thailand's three southernmost provinces last month marked a setback to efforts to end the protracted separatist conflict in the country's deep south.