Authorities surrounded an Islamic religious school, pressuring a Perwira group member who had been hiding for over 10 days; he eventually surrendered, confessing fear of death. Numerous guns and ammunition were seized. The suspect had undergone tactical training in a neighboring country two years ago.
At 05:30 on 10 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Colonel Sathiraphong Achan, Deputy Director of the Peace Operations Center, Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front, along with Colonel Sitthisak Jenbanchong, Commander of the Southern Border Provinces Ranger Forces, and Colonel Natthaphon Sunthornnon, Commander of Ranger Task Force 43, led over 30 joint forces to surround and search a religious school in Tuyong Subdistrict, Nong Chik District, Pattani Province. This followed intelligence from local sources and information from previously detained security suspects indicating a wanted person under the Emergency Decree was hiding inside.
During the operation, officials coordinated with village leaders and religious figures to negotiate, announcing that those inside the dormitory should show themselves and come outside. About 20 students came out, but initial checks did not find the target, indicating he remained concealed within the dormitory.
At 06:00, officials and local leaders resumed negotiations. After about 30 minutes, the target shouted from inside the dormitory and agreed to surrender, coming out with hands raised, removing his shirt and wearing a sarong, surrendering on the road in front of the school without violence.
The suspect was identified as Muhammad Hafik Mahama, 29, from Bacho District, Narathiwat Province. Officials searched all 20 dormitories and found a .38 caliber revolver loaded with six rounds, plus a new box of 50 additional rounds, totaling 56 rounds. The suspect admitted ownership. The firearm was registered and believed to have been used in incidents and thefts. Authorities are conducting forensic tests to determine where it was used.
In initial questioning, Muhammad Hafik said he had been living covertly in the school for more than 10 days. Upon seeing the forces surround the area, he feared for his life and decided to surrender. Records show he underwent combat training and studied history in a neighboring country about two years ago before joining the armed Perwira group, which is linked to unrest in Mai Kaen District, Pattani Province.
Officials believe approximately 3-4 others are involved, providing shelter and likely planning further incidents to create unrest in the area. Investigations are ongoing to track and prosecute these accomplices.
Colonel Sathiraphong Achan stated that Muhammad Hafik admitted to blending in and living at the school for over 10 days, living normally among locals. At dawn, upon realizing the forces were surrounding the area and fearing he could not escape, he chose to surrender. Intelligence reveals he had previously received tactical combat training and studied history in a neighboring country about two years ago, then joined the Perwira armed group. This group has links to multiple unrest incidents, especially in Mai Kaen District, Pattani Province.
Colonel Sathiraphong added that intelligence and this arrest suggest about 3-4 collaborators are still aiding in sheltering the suspect and likely planning to cause unrest soon. Authorities will intensify investigations based on seized weapons and question the suspect further to apprehend other accomplices for prosecution.