NARATHIWAT, Thailand – Police are racing to track down six suspects after gunmen ambushed officers at a palm oil plantation, killing two and wounding four more. The attackers may have fled abroad.
The shooting happened just before noon on Sunday at a plantation behind the Tambon Priwan administrative organization in Tak Bai district. The targets were officers from the Tak Bai police station.
Two officers dead, four wounded
Police Senior Sergeant Major Hamran Ha and Police Senior Sergeant Major Withaya Chaipromkaew died in the attack. Four other officers were injured.
Authorities suspect a wanted man named Arif opened fire on the investigative team. He is wanted on drug charges.
Six attackers identified, three already wanted
Police say they have identified a total of six attackers. Three of them already face arrest warrants in other cases.
Arif is linked to a car bomb attack outside the old Tan Yong police station. Authorities believe he knew about the bombing or was involved.
Ties to bombing that hit Malaysian tourist vehicle
Another bombing is also connected to Arif. The bomb targeted a vehicle carrying volunteer defense personnel from Sungai Kolok district returning from training in Yala province but hit a Malaysian tourist’s car instead. Two Malaysians were wounded.
At the crime scene, investigators found numerous cartridge cases of various calibers and a dismantled rifle.
Evidence found at plantation scene
Other evidence included personal belongings, a shoulder bag, a field stretcher, and a knife. Investigators believe the attackers positioned themselves on the plantation during the ambush.
We believe the suspects may have left the country.
said a police source, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Second shooting at excise office in Pattani
On Tuesday before noon, attackers opened fire on the Pattani Regional Excise Office, Mayo branch. One person was injured and the office building was damaged.
The attack followed the arrest of a suspect in Sai Buri district for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. Police and excise officers brought him to the office to start legal proceedings related to a fine.
CCTV footage reviewed in Pattani shooting
About ten minutes after the arrested man arrived, two attackers approached the front of the building on a motorcycle. They shot at the office and then fled.
Authorities secured the area, treated the wounded person, and began collecting evidence. Investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage and tracking the suspects. It is not confirmed whether the Pattani attackers belong to the same group as those in Narathiwat.