Narathiwat authorities have identified six suspects responsible for the fatal shooting of two Tak Bai police investigators. These suspects were previously involved in an attack on the Bukhe Sami checkpoint. Officials are currently conducting a continuous siege on a palm plantation to pressure the suspects, but have refrained from using force as some villagers remain inside harvesting palm fruit.
On 4 Aug 2026 in Narathiwat, reporters updated the investigation of an M16 assault rifle attack on the Tak Bai police investigative team. Two officers, Sergeant Hamran Ha and Corporal Wittaya Chaipromkaew, team leaders of the investigative unit, were killed, and four others—Lieutenant Kittipong Srikham, Police Sergeant Traithot Kulsantawasiri, Corporal Wannuchit Saeko, and Corporal Wannakit Srinakitja—were wounded. The incident occurred at 11:48 a.m. on 2 Aug 2026 beside a hut inside a palm plantation in Ban Bueng Chalam, behind the Phraiwan Subdistrict Administrative Organization office, Moo 6, Phraiwan Subdistrict, Tak Bai District, Narathiwat.
Throughout the previous night, Pol. Lt. Gen. Piyawat Chalermsri, Commander of Region 9 Police, Pol. Maj. Gen. Prayong Khotsakha, Commander of Narathiwat Provincial Police, Pol. Maj. Gen. Chumphon Saksureemongkol, Commander of the Southern Border Provinces Police Investigation Division, and other officials including Pol. Col. Phakawat Wansanuk, Tak Bai police chief, and Navy Captain Banyat Wongchampa, commander of the Naval Task Force, convened at the Phraiwan Subdistrict Administrative Organization meeting room. They reviewed the investigation progress and planned the ongoing manhunt for the suspects who shot the Tak Bai police team. Later, some supporting officers were reportedly reassigned to operations in Cho-airong and Chanae districts, though details were not disclosed.
Currently, authorities from three agencies continue a 24-hour operation to pressure and hunt the suspects by surrounding the palm plantation. Officials believe the shooter is Arif (surname withheld), a fugitive wanted on drug charges, who is linked to previous bombings, including a car bomb attack at the former Tan Yong police station and an attempted bombing of the paramilitary vehicle in Su-ngai Kolok District, which mistakenly injured two Malaysian tourists.
Investigators collected evidence at the scene, including 24 spent M16 casings, 21 spent 9mm pistol casings, one .32 caliber casing, a disassembled HK firearm, backpacks, a field stretcher, knives, and other supplies. Witnesses, local villagers coming and going, reported unfamiliar individuals residing in the area. Authorities concluded that six suspects participated in the shooting and fled into the palm plantation after the attack.
Subsequent investigation revealed six suspects hiding within the palm plantation. Three have been identified: 1. Halhabib Jaetu, with four outstanding warrants; 2. Bakri Samae, with two warrants; and 3. Abdulharem Jaetu, with three warrants. The names of the other three suspects remain undisclosed. Authorities are employing martial law powers to raid residences in Chanae District. All six were involved in the Bukhe Sami checkpoint shooting and likely fled to the neighboring country via boat through Khlong Kubu after the Tak Bai attack.
Regarding the ongoing siege of the palm plantation, officials are cautious about using force since some villagers remain inside harvesting palm fruit and cannot leave due to the blockade. Once the area is secured and villagers are separated from suspects, authorities plan to conclude the operation and withdraw forces.