A news site closely associated with Thailand’s security forces revealed yesterday (August 28, 2024) intelligence information about possible unrest in four provinces of Southern Thailand (Deep South) during Malaysia’s Independence Day celebrations on August 31 (tomorrow).

The Deep South refers to three southern Thai provinces—Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani—as well as four districts in Songkhla, namely Saba Yoi, Thepha, Chana, and Natawee.

Three of these four provinces share borders with Malaysia. Betong District in Yala borders Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, while Narathiwat (Takbai, Sungai Golok, and Ban Buketa) borders Pengkalan Kubur, Rantau Panjang, and Bukit Bunga in Kelantan.

Songkhla Province, including the districts of Padang Besar, Wang Prachan, Sadao, and Ban Prakob, borders Padang Besar and Wang Kelian (Perlis), and Bukit Kayu Hitam and Durian Burung (Kota Putra) in Kedah.

The Southern News Center (SNC), citing Thai intelligence sources, reported a risk of disturbances, including attacks by armed groups against officials and security personnel, as well as at military bases and checkpoints on August 31.

The intelligence sources reportedly claim that the threat is also symbolic of the anniversary of the establishment of the separatist movement—Patani United Liberation Organization (BERSATU)—on August 31, 1989.

The news site also quoted intelligence sources stating that a warning had been issued to all security personnel in Southern Thailand to remain vigilant.

The warning was issued based on events from August 31, 2012, when unrest occurred, with the Malaysian flag—Jalur Gemilang—being raised and displayed on several main roads in the Deep South, in addition to new threats against Malay residents working for the Thai government.

The intelligence sources reportedly revealed that sub-district-level warnings, Malaysia’s Independence Day celebrations, and the anniversary of BERSATU’s establishment could be factors encouraging separatist groups to create unrest.

SNC also quoted sources who claimed that continuous movement of armed groups had been detected in all areas through intelligence.

“In addition, security officers have detected movements of weapons and equipment being prepared for use. Intelligence units also detected orders from leaders residing in Malaysia to their members to expedite actions to demonstrate their capabilities.

“Furthermore, recent security incidents in the area indicate that the perpetrators may be preparing to attack small security posts with low security, or use car bombs or motorcycle bombs in community areas, government offices, or create disturbances in various forms in some areas.

“At the same time, the group may also have plans to rob firearms from the Village Defense Volunteers (SPK),” reported SNC, quoting intelligence information.

The report mentioned that 14 sub-districts in Yala Province; Narathiwat (13 sub-districts); Pattani (13 sub-districts), and Songkhla (four) are at risk of unrest.

Risk areas in Yala Province include:

• Bannang Sata District – Taling Chan Sub-district and Ba Cho Sub-district (threat of roadside bombs);
• Yaha District – Katong Sub-district, Patae Sub-district, Baro Sub-district, and Bangoysina Sub-district (threat of firearm theft and roadside bombs);
• Thar To District – Ban Rae Sub-district (threat of shootings against security personnel);
• Mueang Yala District – Ta Sae Sub-district, Lidol Sub-district, and Yupo Sub-district (threat of attacks against SPK personnel and operational bases);
• Krong Pinang District – Sa-ae Sub-district and Pu Rong Sub-district (threat of attacks against SPK personnel and operational bases); and
• Raman District – Kero Sub-district and Balo Sub-district (threat of roadside bombs).

Risk areas in Narathiwat Province include:

• Yi-ngo District – Lubobaya Sub-district and Lubobusa Sub-district (threat of disturbances);
• Sri Sakhon District – Sri Banphot Sub-district (threat of long-range shootings and roadside bombs);
• Rueso District – Suwaree Sub-district, Samakkhi Sub-district, and Rueso Ok Sub-district (threat of ambushes against police vehicles and police housing complexes);
• Cho Airong District – Chuap Sub-district and Bukit Sub-district (threat of ambushes and roadside bombs);
• Ra-ngae District – Bongo Sub-district and Bangosato Sub-district (threat of ambushes and roadside bombs);
• Tak Bai District – Pron Sub-district and Ko Saton Sub-district (threat of simultaneous attacks and shooting patrols to seize firearms);
• Sungai Golok District – Mono Sub-district and Pasemas Sub-district (threat of throwing explosives at checkpoints and operational bases).

Risk areas in Pattani Province include:

• Thung Yang Daeng District – Talom Mana Sub-district (threat of SPK firearm theft and attacks on SPK personnel at operational centers or their homes);
• Mae Lan District – Muang Tia Sub-district (threat of SPK firearm theft and attacks on SPK personnel at operational centers or their homes);
• Yarang District – Khlong Mai Sub-district and Khao Tum Sub-district (threat of SPK firearm theft and attacks on SPK personnel at operational centers or their homes, as well as explosives planted on security vehicles);
• Mayo District – Ko Chan Sub-district (threat of SPK firearm theft and attacks on SPK personnel at operational centers or their homes);
• Khok Pho District – Na Pradu Sub-district and Na Ket Sub-district (threat of suspicious objects, planting homemade explosives, and shooting security personnel);
• Nong Chik District – Bo Thong Sub-district and Pu Lo Pu Yo Sub-district (threat of roadside bombs and attacks on operational bases); and
• Yaring District – Bang Pu Sub-district, Yamu Sub-district, and Manangyong Sub-district (threat of explosives planted on vehicles).
  There are also security risks in Songkhla involving:
• Thepha District – Pak Bang Sub-district and Tha Muang Sub-district, as well as areas connected with Tha Rue Sub-district in Khok Pho District in Pattani Province, and Koh Saba Sub-district (threat of explosives planted on security personnel vehicles, shootings, or creating unrest by raising flags, burning tires, hanging banners, and spray painting).

According to SNC, BERSATU is an umbrella organization for separatist movements formed from the unification of four armed groups: Barisan Islam Pembebasan Patani (BIPP); Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani (BRN); Gerakan Mujahideen Islam Pattani (GMIP); and Pertubuhan Pembebasan Bersatu Patani (PULO).

These four groups held their first joint meeting on August 31, 1989, considered the founding date. The meeting was called the “Pattani Warrior Gathering.” At that time, the group had not yet been named BERSATU.

The meeting passed six resolutions and agreements:

1. Unite in the struggle to liberate Pattani and establish a Malay-Islamic state;
2. Use the principle of fighting for religion (jihad) with armed forces;
3. Oppose the principles and policies of the Thai government;
4. Call on all Islamic countries to support the struggle;
5. Call on various countries and movements to advocate for the Pattani issue; and
6. Cooperate with all liberation movements and peace-loving individuals worldwide.

In 1991, the group was officially named the Patani United Liberation Organization (BERSATU), with Wahyuddin Muhammad as chairman, and its committee members representing the four movements involved.

A group constitution was drafted, with the organizational structure of the BERSATU movement consisting of three important parts:

1. The Supreme Council or Sura Council (Majlis Syura) – responsible for drafting and setting policies, as well as appointing the executive board.
2. The Executive Board (Majlis Eksekutif) – responsible for implementing policies and supervising working groups.
3. Working groups (Bureau) – responsible for carrying out tasks approved by the executive board. Working groups are divided into several fields, such as military, politics, foreign affairs, economics, and others.

The BERSATU movement has produced several propaganda materials, including a monthly publication titled “Suara Patani Merdeka,” distributed to its members and supporters.

“BERSATU has held peace negotiations with the Thai government to end the conflict and violence in the three southern border provinces, but they failed,” the report said without specifying when the negotiations took place.

The report also stated that BERSATU later faced internal problems because it acted only as an ‘umbrella organization’ without being able to control the four movements involved.

“As a result, BERSATU’s role gradually diminished, along with the emergence of a new wave of violence in the southern border provinces since 2004, and BRN is believed to have become the most active organization.

“However, August 31 each year, which marks the anniversary of BERSATU’s establishment, is a day when all security agencies prioritize, issue warnings, and increase security surveillance, as it is considered a symbolic day when rebel groups like to cause unrest,” said SNC.

Over the past 20 years of unrest in Southern Thailand, the most serious incident of chaos occurred on August 31, 2012, when rebel groups caused simultaneous disturbances in four provinces, involving 296 locations.

Most of the disturbances involved placing suspicious objects, burning Thai flags, and raising Malaysian flags in various areas. There were also five bombs planted at locations where suspicious objects were placed and Malaysian flags were raised, resulting in six security personnel being injured.