Bomb explosions and shootings were reported in Southern Thailand during the weekend, which resulted in the deaths of two Thailand police officers.

According to the Bangkok Post, the tragedy happened on Saturday night (March 8) at Sungai Golok in the Narathiwat province around 8:20 PM local time, and at least 12 other individuals were injured in the attack that took place near Big C Supermarket – a hotspot for Malaysian visitors.

Grenades were thrown at the defense volunteers who were on duty.

Following the bombings and shootings, multiple roads in Sungai Golok were closed and inaccessible to the public. Deputy Mayor of Sungai Golok, Aphichet Jeh-Oum said the attackers came in two pickup trucks and a car, all filled with firearms.

All suspects wore headscarves and covered their faces with a cloth.

At the time of writing (March 10), no deaths involving Malaysians have been reported at the Malaysia-Thailand border. PDRM, however, advised all Malaysians to avoid Southern Thailand for the time being.

“I can’t stop them, but they have to be careful”

In reports by BERNAMA and Sinar Harian, Inspector-General Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said strict enforcement has been taken to monitor the Malaysia-Thailand border.

The Generational Operations Force (PGA) is also increasing the level of security at the border to avoid any terror attack in Malaysia, and the number of deaths and injuries are also being confirmed.

Until then, Malaysians are strongly advised against visiting Southern Thailand. 

Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said he had previously advised those in Kelantan, who are the closest to the border, to delay their trips to the area due to the tense situation. His advice, however, was not well received.

“Many residents here love visiting Sungai Golok and other areas to break their fasts.”

Yusoff said he could not stop anyone from going there but could only ask those who go to the area to be careful.

Given the uncertainties and with the perpetrators still at large, it’s best to avoid the areas at the time being.

Also read: Bomb-Like Device Found Under Siti Kasim’s Car in KL, PDRM & Bomb Squad are Currently Investigating