Pro-IS bomber wounded in Mindanao clash; bombing plots foiled in Thailand
And more news in this latest weekly Southeast Asia armed conflict summary (23-29 June 2025).
A new wave of security concerns gripped Southeast Asia this past week, with Thailand confronting both domestic unrest and rising border tensions, the Philippines intensifying crackdowns on communist and extremist groups, Myanmar experiencing further military offensives, and regional states advancing counterterrorism cooperation.
In Thailand, authorities foiled suspected terror plots in tourist spots, arresting multiple suspects from the insurgency-hit Deep South and dismantling suspected explosives at the airport. Security was elevated in tourist provinces, while Australian authorities issued new travel advisories. The Thai government urged the public not to link the incidents to southern unrest, but parallel violence persisted in the region, including attacks on officials in Pattani. Meanwhile, Thailand closed border crossings with Cambodia amid escalating territorial disputes, prompting high-level visits by Thai and Cambodian leaders. Analysts warned the standoff risks destabilising Thai politics.
In the Philippines, a pro-IS bombmaker was wounded in Maguindanao, while military operations intensified against communist insurgents in Leyte, Samar, and Mindanao. Authorities reported surrenders and arrests of NPA rebels and leaders, alongside continued killings in Negros Occidental. Government forces declared progress in restoring peace in Kalinga and parts of Negros. Separately, the World Bank committed funds for ex-rebel reintegration, while President Marcos visited Marawi City with infrastructure and education aid. Security agencies downplayed IS-linked threats despite Middle East tensions, as concerns grew over…