NARATHIWAT, Thailand – Two suspects are dead and 11 more have been arrested after a 13-day security operation in Narathiwat province.
The group is linked to four major security cases — including attacks on rangers and police. Security forces are still hunting for more members in three districts.
Gunbattles leave two dead, 11 in custody
Security forces surrounded the wanted men in several areas. Two suspects were killed and a total of 11 others were taken into custody.
On August 5 the operation triggered a shootout as officers closed in on target zones. They seized a 9mm pistol that is believed to have been taken from a policeman during an earlier incident in Tak Bai district.
Key suspect connects attacks to single group
In Tak Bai district officers arrested three suspects. One of them surrendered and told authorities the attackers in Tak Bai and those who hit the ranger base in Ra-ngae belonged to the same group.
The group is believed to have had 13 members in total. Another person arrested is suspected of organising the group’s escape and is now being interrogated.
Rangers killed in checkpoint ambush
The investigation ties back to an attack on July 22, 2026 at the Buketa Sami checkpoint in Ra-ngae district. Five rangers died and six villagers were wounded.
Security forces said the attackers opened fire on the checkpoint. A manhunt for the suspected group members began soon after.
Drug raid leaves two police dead
On August 2, 2026 police conducting a drug raid near a hut in a palm plantation in Phrai Wan subdistrict ran into armed suspects. Two officers died and four more were injured.
Authorities are treating the incident as one of the major security cases linked to the arrested and killed suspects. The confiscated 9mm pistol is believed to have been taken from a policeman during that operation.
Police link group to four major cases
Police Major General Prayong Khotsakha, head of the Narathiwat Provincial Police, confirmed the group’s connection to four serious security incidents. These include the attack on Tak Bai police station, the assault on the ranger base in Ra-ngae, and a raid on Cho-airong police station on May 28, 2025.
Police said one of the two dead suspects had a criminal record for drug offences. He also had two outstanding arrest warrants for security-related crimes.
Manhunt continues in remote districts
Security forces are maintaining a presence in the districts of Chanae, Sukhirin and Si Sakhon. These three areas lie at the foot of mountain ranges connected to Ra-ngae district.
Around Ban Nam Tok in Sukhirin district round-the-clock surveillance is under way. Officers are searching for more group members who may still be hiding in the area, according to authorities.