The Commander of Region 9 Police revealed updates on the Tak Bai incident, stating law enforcement is pursuing three remaining suspects. Injuries were found on an individual assisting in the escape. Eleven suspects have been detained for questioning. Forensic science links the perpetrators to the shooting of paramilitary forces at Bukeh Sami. The commander highlighted that the proactive pressure by authorities caused the violent group to disperse from the mountains. He also praised the Tak Bai police investigation team for their courage and police spirit. Recently, a siege led to a fierce shootout, resulting in two suspects killed.
On 5 August 2026, Police Lieutenant General Piyawat Chalermsri, Commander of Region 9 Police, provided updates on law enforcement actions against suspects who engaged in armed conflict with police officers, resulting in two deaths and four injuries among Tak Bai police officers in Narathiwat. The suspects were wounded and fled. The incident occurred in a palm plantation, Village 6, Phraiwan Subdistrict, Tak Bai District, Narathiwat, on 2 August 2026.
During the operation, four individuals near the scene were detained along with seized evidence including a disassembled HK firearm and several magazines. Crime scene investigation found weapons and cartridge casings linked to violent actors operating in Chanae District, Narathiwat, connected to the group responsible for shooting paramilitary forces at the Bukeh Sami checkpoint in Ra-ngae District on 22 July 2026. Investigations identified 14 involved suspects; 11 have been detained for questioning while three remain at large.
The Commander of Region 9 Police further stated that following recent violence in the southern border provinces, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Phanphet, and Deputy National Police Chief Police General Samran Nualma, who also commands the Frontline Police Operation Center, have mandated increased proactive area control to pressure violent groups. The Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front has conducted active operations in mountainous forest areas recognized as hideouts for violent groups. This pressure led to suspects fleeing to other areas, culminating in current law enforcement actions.
This aligns with forensic examination confirming that those who engaged in armed conflict with police in Tak Bai are violent actors descending from mountainous areas. Region 9 Police have conducted operations in line with area control and anti-narcotics policies, resulting in the clash.
On 2 August 2026, at approximately 11:48 a.m., six detectives from Tak Bai Police used two vehicles to conduct a drug-related search in Phraiwan Subdistrict, Tak Bai District. After completing their mission, they returned via a shortcut through a palm plantation. At the scene, they noticed a person sitting beside a hut and a white pickup truck suspiciously parked on the road, an area rarely inhabited. Acting on instinct, the officers stopped. Three police approached to inspect while the other three observed and guarded on the road in front of the hut. The team leader approached the rear of the hut and heard noises inside, prompting inquiry and intent to inspect further.
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At that moment, two suspects opened fire with assault rifles from inside the hut. Corporal Witthaya Chaipromkaew, a patrol squad leader at Tak Bai Police, who was guarding on the road, was fatally shot. The suspects fled around the back of the hut, encountering Sub Lieutenant Kittipong Srikham, the team leader, and Sergeant Amran Ha, a patrol squad leader. A close-range firefight ensued, resulting in Sergeant Amran's death from gunshot wounds. Sub Lieutenant Kittipong returned fire with a pistol, wounding two suspects who then fled into the marshland behind the palm plantation with accomplices.
After the clash, Tak Bai Police requested reinforcements to investigate. Joint forces including military, police, and local administration surrounded the marshland behind the scene. The operation resulted in detaining four individuals near the site along with seized disassembled HK firearms and multiple magazines. Crime scene evidence included: 18 casings of 5.56mm rifle rounds, 21 casings of 9mm automatic pistol rounds, 1 casing of .32 caliber revolver round, and 1 .38 caliber revolver.
Forensic examination of the seized cartridge casings confirmed links to violent groups active in Chanae District and connected to the group responsible for the July 22 shooting of paramilitary forces at Bukeh Sami checkpoint in Ra-ngae District.
Police Lieutenant General Piyawat stated investigations revealed another group of suspects fled to receive treatment in Cho-airong District, Narathiwat, before being transported to Chanae District. Evidence including gauze, blood stains, and first aid supplies were found. Witnesses confirmed two wounded suspects named Abdulmuklis and Sahman. Abdulmuklis sustained injuries to his right finger, while Sahman was wounded on the right arm, back, and ankle. Authorities are actively pursuing the suspects believed to remain in nearby areas.
Additionally, 14 individuals linked to the incident have been identified; 11 have been detained for questioning and three remain at large. Interrogations indicated that pressure and sieges by military and police forces in Chanae and Ra-ngae Districts caused the suspects to flee two days before the clash, temporarily residing in an uninhabited hut within a palm plantation.
Authorities warned the public that anyone providing shelter or assistance to the suspects will be subject to prosecution under the law.
The latest update at 10:00 a.m. reports that the Narathiwat Provincial Police Investigation Division, Border Patrol Police Company 44, and Ranger Battalion 11 have raided a residence in Kiea Subdistrict, Sukhirin District, Narathiwat. A firefight occurred, killing two suspects believed to be Sahman Malee and Abdulmuklis Puteh. Forensic teams are awaiting arrival to investigate further.