Thailand's southern insurgency leaves villagers trapped in a cycle of fear

A coordinated wave of arson, bombings and other attacks in Thailand’s insurgency-hit deep south last weekend left villagers in Narathiwat province trapped in a cycle of fear, according to Reuters. On Aug. 28 in the Chang Phueak sub-district, a security guard, Ni-arfan Doloh, was forced into a position behind a government office before masked men set the building on fire—one of at least 78 incidents across four provinces, injuring three people. No group claimed responsibility. Two hours later, Solae Doloh and friends reported being shot while returning from a camping trip; they said fire appeared to come from a helicopter. The Thai military denied involvement, saying it was surveying. Police and community lawmakers called for an independent inquiry.