Arsonists attack 2 biomass power plants in Pattani

The arson attacks took place in Pattani’s Mae Lan and Sabayoi districts.

In Mae Lan, three armed men dressed in black reportedly entered the biomass plant in Moo 7 just after midnight.

They then forcibly removed the security guards and factory workers, before pouring petrol on the machinery and setting them ablaze. A car parked outside was also set ablaze.

Police swiftly arrived at the scene and managed to bring the flames under control. The car, however, was totalled by the time the fire was put out.

Workers said as the flames engulfed the building, they heard some five explosions inside. Though the fire caused significant damage to the property, nobody was injured.

A similar arson attack took place at a biomass power plant in Sabayoi district, with police receiving a report about the blaze at 1am. CCTV footage showed four armed individuals dressed in black entering the building and setting fire to the building. Nobody was injured in this attack either.

The authorities are investigating the attacks and though they suspect insurgents may be trying to foment unrest in the area, other potential factors have not been ruled out.