Thailand violence

The far south of Thailand has experienced incidents of criminally and politically motivated violence, including incidents attributed to armed local separatist or extremist groups.

Since January 2004, a series of incidents in Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala provinces has included arson attacks directed at schools and other buildings associated with the Thai government; the placement of bombs in public areas and near local government offices; killings of police and other officials, and the theft of weapons and explosives. In response, Thai authorities have on occasion instituted curfews, military patrols and random searches of train passengers.

The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens avoid nonessential travel to the far south of Thailand, particularly Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Satun and Songkhla provinces, including the town of Hat Yai.