Separatist insurgents in Thailand’s southern border provinces have been urged to adhere to their commitment and international legal obligations not to target civilians, according to Human Rights Watch. The Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), a separatist group, has frequently attacked both Thai Buddhists and Malay Muslims since the armed insurgency began in January 2004.
On May 5, 2025, the BRN issued a statement expressing regret for recent attacks while affirming the right to self-determination for Malay Muslims. The group stated it “has no policy of targeting civilians” and “remains committed to international human rights and humanitarian law.” However, Human Rights Watch continues to condemn violations of the laws of war by the BRN.
Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, noted that “the BRN took an unprecedented step by publicly pledging not to target civilians,” but emphasized that “a pledge is not enough. The BRN needs to stop committing war crimes.”
In April alone, there were 57 insurgent attacks resulting in 18 deaths and 50 injuries among Buddhist Thai and Malay Muslim populations in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces. One notable incident on April 22 involved BRN insurgents shooting dead Pongkorn Chumapan, 16, and wounding Pokanit Morasin, 12. This attack targeted a pickup truck carrying Buddhist monks and novices from Wat Kura temple in Songkhla province’s Sabayoi district.
Pol. Lt. Wattanarom Chumapan recounted the attack: “I picked up my son, together with other novices and monks…when I heard gunshots coming from the roadside jungle.” He added that he returned fire at the assailants who escaped on a motorcycle.
The conflict has seen at least 23 Buddhist monks and novices killed during alms collection activities. Victims of recent violence include teachers, police officers, older people, and children. On May 28 alone there were several attacks: Pol. Sgt. Abdulloh Makaseng was shot dead at a police station in Narathiwat province; Muhammad Sukri Ha and Sainuddin Jehbueraheng were wounded during a community sports event; Sa-Nga Saeng-Yoi was fatally shot alongside her son; Sasita Jankong was killed along with two relatives during an assault rifle attack.
The laws of war prohibit attacks on civilians or civilian objects as well as reprisals or indiscriminate attacks failing to distinguish between combatants and civilians. Violations can constitute war crimes if committed with criminal intent.
Human Rights Watch highlighted ongoing abuses by both BRN insurgents and Thai authorities contributing to cycles of violence and impunity. Phra Kru Kositasudabhorn suggested some attacks may be retaliatory following unresolved incidents involving security forces.
Claims justifying attacks under Islamic law or due to state association are dismissed under international law standards. Thailand’s central Islamic council condemned such actions as heinous crimes without justification.
Thai authorities have enacted special security measures allowing extended detention without judicial oversight under emergency decrees which have led to custodial deaths.
Reports indicate arbitrary arrests of Malay Muslims continue amid counterinsurgency efforts lacking sufficient evidence for charges—a concern echoed by victims’ families who allege unfair treatment fostering distrust towards officials.
Human Rights Watch calls for accountability regarding extrajudicial killings or torture allegations against suspected BRN members while urging both sides towards human rights respect amid peace negotiations.
