YALA, THAILAND – Armed gunmen opened fire on the back of Lam Mai police station early on August 3. Police officers shot back, sparking a minutes-long firefight in the rubber plantation behind the building.
The attackers fled through dense plantation and forest terrain after exchanging shots with officers on duty. Nobody was injured in the incident, which began just before 8:00 am.
Shots from the rubber plantation – police fire back
The unknown assailants opened fire from the rear of the station. The area is hard to see into, overgrown with rubber trees and thick forest.
Officers immediately took positions and returned fire to defend themselves and the station. For several minutes the sound of shooting echoed through the undergrowth before the gunmen escaped using the terrain they knew well.
Top brass and bomb squad take command
Police Major General Wallop Jamnong-asa, deputy commander of Police Region 9, and Police Major General Kong Atta Suwankham, chief of Yala Provincial Police, rushed to the scene with district chief Wimutti Amnakmanee, Police Colonel Chatchai Sakdee and Police Colonel Kosit Benjakul.
They ordered a wide cordon. The bomb disposal unit and forensics team 10 Yala combed the area, analysed firing lines and collected shell casings for evidence.
No injuries but security ramped to maximum
Despite the intense exchange of gunfire, no police officer or civilian was hurt. All bullets only left damage in the area around the station.
Security authorities immediately raised the alert to the highest level across Yala province and adjacent areas. All checkpoints and roadblocks tightened searches of people and vehicles while extra forces hunted the attackers.
Attack aimed to spread fear – public asked to help
Investigators believe the group deliberately tried to stir unrest and fear in the region. Security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.
The public is urgently asked to report suspicious persons or unusual observations to the authorities immediately in order to ensure public safety together.
said a police spokesperson.