A security source disclosed information claiming that the firearm used to shoot local resident "Janae," who was injured from a patrol helicopter in Narathiwat, was an M16A2 rifle issued to a military sergeant. This matches the bullet trajectory piercing the road, fired from above, rather than an ambush from dense roadside forest. Meanwhile, train services have resumed normal operations at this time.
On 25 August 2026, regarding the progress of the incident where members of an insurgent group planned coordinated attacks across 13 districts of Narathiwat province at 40 locations during the night of 22 August 2026, particularly concerning Mr. Soe Lae Due Lo, aged 21, from Janae district, who was shot and injured. It has been confirmed the gunfire came from a helicopter at night, and the injured party reportedly showed his innocence by raising his hands above his head.
Recently, a reliable security source who is a military officer serving in Narathiwat province confidentially revealed to reporters that Mr. Soe Lae Due Lo, injured by gunfire confirmed to have come from a helicopter, was shot by a standard-issue firearm of a military sergeant. This weapon is a 5.56-millimeter assault rifle or carbine, specifically an M16A2, used by the helicopter during its air support patrol mission following security-related incidents. It was not fired from the heavy M60 machine gun mounted on the helicopter’s side or front.
This finding aligns with evidence at the scene where Mr. Soe Lae was shot, including the helicopter’s low flight altitude—just above the top of nearby bamboo clumps—and bullet marks piercing the asphalt road surface, measuring 4 to 5 centimeters in depth or deflection. This trajectory indicates shots fired from above, not from an ambush in dense roadside forest or a nearby embankment. Additionally, audio clips recorded by locals on the night of the incident captured gunfire in bursts of single shots. Confirmation awaits forensic examination results.
Furthermore, regarding the attacks across 13 districts of Narathiwat province at 40 locations, bomb disposal teams from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit under the Provincial Police Division, Narathiwat Forensic Police, and related officials have inspected various sites over two days. They completed inspections in six districts—Bacho, Rueso, Si Sakhon, Mueang Narathiwat, Ra-ngae, and Janae—covering 28 of the 40 locations. Generally, the perpetrators planted bombs inside cylindrical steel pipes weighing about 5 to 6 kilograms, triggered by timers. In cases of arson targeting some subdistrict administrative organizations and private or government trucks, fuel was poured on various spots and ignited. Officials will continue inspecting the remaining 12 locations in seven districts today to gather evidence.
Regarding train services, which were suspended for two days after insurgents sabotaged the railway at kilometer 1090 between Maruebo and Tanyongmas stations in Moo 1, Maruebo subdistrict, on 22 August 2026, EOD and forensic teams completed their inspection yesterday. Subsequently, the Tanyongmas railway maintenance team immediately repaired the track, finishing by the evening of 24 August. A test train passed the site at 18:30, limiting speed to 50 km/h, confirming the track’s safety.
Today, at Tanyongmas railway station in Ra-ngae district, 14 trains running routes from Su-ngai Kolok station to Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Bangkok, and Bangkok Aphiwat stations, both inbound and outbound, resumed normal service starting this morning.
Meanwhile, at the Royal Thai Army Headquarters, Major General Winthai Suwaree, Army spokesperson, addressed reports of a military helicopter shooting an injured teenager in Narathiwat province. He stated that the helicopter is not designed for such targets due to its high speed and the nighttime conditions, which severely limit visibility. The Army’s support for the Internal Security Operations Command mission is conducted within all frameworks and international standards. The use of weapons is unlikely except in self-defense. The investigation to apprehend perpetrators is ongoing.