Islamic separatists launched bomb and arson attacks on a series of shops overnight in southern Thailand.

Police said at least 27 locations were struck across Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat close to the border with Malaysia in the early house of Friday morning.

Footage shows various fires across the region following the coordinated attacks. There were no casualties reported.

The targets included 7-Eleven convenience stores, gas stations, factories and a furniture shop - symbols of Thai capitalism in the region.

Also struck was state infrastructure including communications towers and electricity stations.

A shaken worker from one of the 7-Eleven stores that were hit said: 'Three men showed up, fired a gun, and told us to leave.

'They then poured oil over the counter, set it on fire, and ran away. One of the staff refused to leave, then they said they'd shoot her if she didn't leave the shop.'

Officials are currently investigating and securing the areas. Police asked for cooperation from residents by reporting anything suspicious.

Colonel Ekwarit Chobchuphon, spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, front section said: ‘It is suspected that these incidents were aimed at disrupting the economic system and public utilities, while undermining the confidence of security officials.

'There appears to be an attempt to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of Ramadan.

'Recently, officials have conducted inspections in the affected areas. Evidence is being collected for further action, and progress will be reported accordingly.

'If anyone discovers any clues or comes across suspicious objects, please report them immediately.'

The attack is the latest Islamic separatist assault on the southernmost provinces of Thailand - Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat - next to the border with Mulsim neighbours Malaysia. Thai state employees and infrastructure are often hit while attacks on civilians are rare.

Officials believe the conflict dates to a deal in 1909 that the British Empire struck to incorporate the Muslim region into the Siamese mainland.

The region's culture is more similar to Malaysia and dramatically different to Buddhist Thais causing decades of tension that lead to the emergence of separatist groups fighting for independence in the 1960s.

The struggle has continued ever since with more than 7,344 people killed and 13,641 injured between January 2004 and March 2022.

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office warns against all but essential travel to the region while Canada's government warns its nationals to 'avoid all travel' to the three provinces.