While Narathiwat police chief Pol Maj-General Manas Siksamat said the media should not jump to conclusion the fires were staged by Muslim insurgents, a military source was certain of a link between the OIC visit and the arsons. The source said the insurgents definitely hoped to escalate the situation in the southern insurgency before 10 OIC representatives visit the three southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani and Naratihwat late this month. The authorities estimated that the first shop suffered damage worth Bt1 million and the aquarium suffered damaged worth Bt500,000. At the second spot, the Super 4 Narathiwat department store on Chamroon Nara road in Tambon Bang Nak was completely engulfed by fire. Manas said although the two fires started simultaneously, the authorities needed to further investigate whether they were staged by insurgents.

Source: The Nation Bangkok February 24, 2018 07:18 UTC