Two Suspects Identified in Satun Bombing, Fled South
Pol. Gen. Tavee Sodsong visited Satun to oversee the investigation into a bombing where two masked suspects planted explosives before fleeing toward the Malaysian border. CCTV footage identified the pair on a motorcycle, and police believe they are linked to previous insurgent activity in the deep south. The attack also damaged a student van, injuring three students, and Tavee warned it threatens tourism and the local economy while urging authorities to address root causes.
Pol. Gen. Tavee Sodsong, list MP and leader of the Prachachat Party, in his capacity as chair of the House committee on law, justice, and human rights and former justice minister, led party executives to Satun to monitor progress in the bombing case and boost morale among locals and security personnel.
Investigators revealed that CCTV analysis identified two male suspects, faces concealed, riding a motorcycle. They used secondary roads to enter the area, planted explosive devices at separate power poles, and acted just before dusk. The suspects then fled via the main highway toward Songkhla. Authorities believe they have likely retreated to hide in the southern border provinces. The investigation has advanced significantly, and police suspect the perpetrators are the same group previously active in the deep south.
After the visit, Pol. Gen. Tavee expressed concern that Satun is normally seen as peaceful. He urged police to swiftly apprehend the culprits and uncover the truth. "If this is the work of insurgents, I condemn it," he said, "because it destroys not just the blast sites but the tourism image, people's livelihoods, and signals that the state must tackle root causes. The perpetrators may be trying to pressure the state, showing unrest could spread beyond the three southern border provinces and four districts of Songkhla."
He added that modern investigative technology, especially extensive CCTV networks, gives confidence that arrests will come soon, but stressed the need to dig deeper into the true motives.
The Prachachat leader emphasized the wider impact: tourism relies on safety, and if visitors stay away, Satun's tourism-dependent economy suffers, hitting daily-wage earners hardest. "The state must immediately implement preventive measures and communicate clearly with the public to prevent panic, clarifying who is responsible. The Prachachat Party will help ease tensions and push for transparency."
In a related incident, a student van was struck by bomb fragments in Satun, injuring three students.
