Narathiwat authorities have closed the case involving the shooting of investigative officers at Tak Bai Police Station by killing two suspects in a shootout and detaining 11 others. Investigations are expanding after links were found to the Bukhe Sami checkpoint attack, and two police firearms stolen in the incident have been recovered.
On 5 August 2026, reporters updated on the pursuit and pressure applied to a group involved in the Bukhe Sami checkpoint attack in Ra-ngae District. The perpetrators fled to the Motet Mountain range bordering three districts—Chanae, Ra-ngae, and Si Sakhon—before escaping to hide in a palm plantation near the Praiwan Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Village 6, Praiwan Subdistrict. Investigative officers from Tak Bai Police Station inspected the area after a drug intelligence operation, leading to a gunfight on 2 August 2026 that left two officers dead and four wounded.
Recently, combined forces from the military, police, and local administration surrounded and pressured suspects hiding in the palm plantation, who were known to have been wounded by Tak Bai investigative officers' gunfire during the 2 August clash. Intelligence from surrendering suspects and others detained earlier, along with forensic and evidence analysis, linked to a broader network. The suspects split into two groups fleeing the plantation: two fled towards Cho Airong District, and three towards Ra-ngae and Chanae Districts. Authorities continue tracking and enforcing the law.
At 10:00 a.m. on 5 August 2026, after investigations, Police General Samran Nualma, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, along with Police Lieutenant General Nopphasin Poolsawat, Chief of the Office of the Commissioner, and Police Lieutenant General Piyawat Chalermsri, Commander of Region 9 Police, dispatched investigative officers from Narathiwat Provincial Police under Police Colonel Niyom Suwankong to join forces with Border Patrol Police Unit 44, Tactical Operations Unit 543, and Air Task Force 9. They enforced the law at an unnumbered house in Village 5, Sukhirin Subdistrict, Sukhirin District, Narathiwat, where two suspects injured in the palm plantation clash were hiding, having moved from Cho Airong District to Sukhirin District.
Upon arrival, authorities surrounded the target and used religious and local leaders to persuade the suspects to surrender peacefully.
The two suspects living in the house opened fire on officers, sparking a prolonged gunfight lasting over 30 minutes. After the shooting ceased, authorities cleared the area and found two deceased suspects inside: 1. Sahman Mali, 34, residing at House No. 72, Village 4, Sukhirin Subdistrict, Sukhirin District, Narathiwat, along with a .38 caliber pistol believed to belong to Police Corporal Hamran Ha lying nearby; and 2. Abdulmuklis Puteh, 23, residing at House No. 30/2, Village 6, Jehe Subdistrict, Tak Bai District, Narathiwat, with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol believed to belong to Police Senior Sergeant Major Traithot Kulsantawasi from Tak Bai investigative unit, stolen by suspects during their escape. Both had injuries consistent with earlier clashes with Tak Bai investigative police. Authorities coordinated with the provincial prosecutor and Sukhirin Hospital doctors for detailed autopsies before collecting evidence and sending the bodies for forensic examination and arranging for families to conduct religious rites.
Preliminary background checks revealed Sahman Mali had two warrants for murder and two for theft, while Abdulmuklis Puteh had two warrants for theft and drug offenses. Forensic analysis found DNA matching components of an HK33 rifle disassembled and discarded by suspects in the palm plantation.
Police Major General Prayong Khotsakha, Commander of Narathiwat Provincial Police, stated that after two Tak Bai police officers were killed and four wounded by suspects, authorities continuously pursued the group. Today, when enforcing the law, the two suspects resisted arrest, refusing to surrender despite negotiations and firing upon officers first, forcing return fire in self-defense, resulting in their deaths.
Autopsies showed both suspects had old gunshot wounds on their legs and fingers from prior confrontations with police in Tak Bai. This case links to the Cho Airong Police Station attack on 28 May 2025 and is connected to the Bukhe Sami checkpoint attackers, indicating the same group. Authorities continue efforts to arrest the remaining suspects.
Additionally, 13 individuals connected to the case were detained for providing shelter and support to the perpetrators, all facing prosecution. These arrests provided insights into the group’s movements and escape routes, facilitating further apprehensions. Notably, one deceased suspect had a previous drug conviction and two outstanding security-related warrants. Investigations continue due to the group's extensive criminal activities and interconnections.
Reports indicate that in the case where two Tak Bai investigative officers were killed and four wounded, authorities have now detained all 13 involved: 11 in custody and 2 deceased in the shootout, effectively closing the case. Some detainees are linked to the Bukhe Sami checkpoint attack, which investigators are urgently pursuing. The investigation has been eased by the fact that some involved in the Tak Bai shooting also participated in the Bukhe Sami assault.