In Pattani, police are intensively pursuing attackers who ambushed Police Corporal Adul Hayisulong, patrol leader at Yaring Police Station, while he was picking up his son outside a school. His wife, a teacher, was killed, and their two-month-old daughter was injured. Investigators now believe the incident may be linked to three security case suspects who have been active in several areas, with authorities making strong efforts to apprehend them.
The incident involved gunmen ambushing Police Corporal Adul Hayisulong, 38, patrol leader and assistant investigator at Yaring Police Station, Pattani. The attack took place near a mosque close to Prasanwittaya Foundation School in Phongsta subdistrict, Yarang district, Pattani, on 25 May, as he came to pick up his two sons attending the school. He was accompanied by his wife, Fatima Yago, 35, a teacher at the same school, who was killed at the scene, causing deep sorrow among the local community.
At 08:30 on 26 May 2026, Police Major General Santhats Chueaputthan, Pattani Provincial Police Commander, ordered Police Colonel Jeffrey Sailmanakul, superintendent of Pattani City Police Station, to visit and encourage Police Corporal Adul Hayisulong, who was wounded in both legs by bullets that passed through. Doctors have treated him; his condition is stable under close medical supervision at Pattani Hospital. Relatives and fellow officers have been offering support continuously, with security maintained around the clock.
Meanwhile, the two-month-old baby girl, identified as Affrina Hayisulong, was in her mother Fatima's arms inside the car during the attack. She sustained minor abrasions on her abdomen but can breastfeed normally. She was admitted for treatment and is in stable condition, receiving close care from relatives and medical staff.
The funeral for Fatima Yago took place at 22:00 with family, colleagues, students, and police officers attending in large numbers, all mourning the loss deeply.
Police Corporal Adul Hayisulong, 38, patrol leader at Yaring Police Station, spoke with a trembling voice, saying that normally his wife would pick up and drop off the children, but she was on maternity leave and the school had just reopened for one week, so he took over. He believes the attackers had been observing him for some time and that someone locally knew he was a police officer, despite him driving his wife's car and never stopping elsewhere en route.
Adul added that he had been cautious at all times, but on the day of the attack, as he was driving, he suddenly heard a sound like glass breaking. At first, he thought it was the car window shattering, but then a gunshot followed. His wife asked what was happening, confirming to him immediately that he was being shot at. He quickly accelerated and escaped into the school grounds, fearing that if he stopped, the attackers would shoot him again.
Upon entering the school, he immediately exited the car, fearing the attackers might shoot him if they saw him. He believed the assailants would not harm his wife and children at that moment. He then tried to stay calm but noticed his wife was unresponsive, so he urgently asked nearby teachers to look after his children, who were crying in shock.
He also believes the attackers had been lying in wait in a nearby alley. The attack occurred when many parents were picking up their children, creating confusion that prevented him from identifying anyone. Additionally, most locals dress similarly, wearing hijabs like ordinary residents.
Adul admitted he has not yet come to terms with the loss and finds it hard to speak, as it is a heavy personal tragedy. However, he said he must continue living, especially for his four children, who are safe. He vowed to do his best as a father and to keep fighting for his family.
Regarding the search for the attackers, the security investigation team said the incident is believed to involve Bukri Jeha, 35, wanted on 14 warrants; Abdulo Mad, 42, wanted on 8 warrants; and Makosen Mae, 35, wanted on 6 warrants. These three are top security suspects whom authorities are actively pursuing due to their involvement in multiple cases. They are also believed connected to the shooting death of Police Corporal Mayaki Deyao, 50, of the Community Relations Police Unit at Ratapanyang Police Station, Yaring district, Pattani. Mayaki was killed on 4 May while driving home after duty, in Sakobon subdistrict, Mayo district, Pattani.
Investigations have found that these suspects have operated in Yarang, Yaring, Mayo, Sai Buri, and Pattani districts. The motive for shooting the two police officers within a month appears to be insurgents retaliating against authorities for recent arrests of suspects and demonstrating their continued capability to attack state officials.
Security sources had previously warned of planned attacks targeting state officials and those associated with them to create unrest.
Police Major General Santhats Chueaputthan has instructed the investigation team to promptly examine the crime scene, gather evidence, and review CCTV footage nearby to quickly apprehend the perpetrators for prosecution. Authorities are also to report progress on the manhunt and forensic results, especially bullet casings, to establish links to specific groups and identify the attackers.
The incident has caused significant fear among local residents, especially parents and students nearby. Many agencies have expressed condolences to the bereaved family and urged authorities to swiftly arrest the culprits and bring them to justice.
Officials from Pattani's investigation unit have reviewed CCTV footage at the scene and possible escape routes used by the attackers. They have also requested cooperation from local shops and homes to check their cameras for suspicious individuals, particularly those dressed like women, to assist in identifying the suspects.
Analysis of CCTV footage shows the motorcycle used by the attackers resembles the one used in the fatal shooting of Police Corporal Mayaki Deyao on 4 May. This supports the belief that the same group is responsible for both incidents.
Authorities have begun interviewing some witnesses at the scene and shown them images of suspects and security case detainees to identify any matches. While progress has been made, details remain confidential. Investigators await forensic results on bullet casings and DNA tests, which are expected within two to three days.