In Pattani, two attackers disguised as villagers pretended to ride a motorcycle to attend prayers. They seized the chance to ambush and shoot a volunteer security guard in Mai Kaen. The guard fought fiercely, returning fire in a loud gun battle that left both dead. The Pattani police chief ordered a manhunt for a third suspect who was injured and is suspected of having helpers aiding in hiding.
At 13:30 on 16 Oct 2026, Police Colonel Attawut Hathaichonokchonni, superintendent of Mai Kaen Police Station in Pattani, received a report of a shooting with fatalities on a road within Talo Village, Moo 2, Talo Krai Thong Subdistrict, Mai Kaen District. He informed his superiors and led forces to investigate, accompanied by Police Major General Suwarot Lungloi, commander of Pattani Provincial Police, and Colonel Natthawut Srisang, commander of Task Force Ranger Regiment 44.
At the scene in a rubber plantation, the body of 54-year-old Ruslee Uma, a member of Mai Kaen District's Volunteer Defense Corps, was found. He wore a long-sleeve white patterned shirt and a sarong, with three gunshot wounds from a .357 caliber firearm. Near the body lay his personal 9mm pistol. Also found was a green Yamaha Filano motorcycle with license plate 1 กว.142 Narathiwat, lying on its side by the roadside.
The injured assailant from the shootout was rushed to Mai Kaen Hospital in critical condition due to a gunshot wound to the head. Despite medical efforts, he died later. He was identified as 32-year-old Muhammad Bila Kama. A .357 caliber handgun was found near him. Authorities collected it as evidence for forensic examination and to support further investigation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that before the incident, Ruslee was riding his motorcycle alone to attend Friday prayers at the village mosque. He was also conducting intelligence-gathering operations following reports that insurgent groups might be active and planning attacks locally. He remained cautious and prepared in his duties.
Upon reaching the rubber plantation, two assailants on a motorcycle followed him, posing as villagers heading to prayers. They took the opportunity to shoot Ruslee once in the torso, causing him to lose control and crash. He then drew his personal firearm and returned fire, triggering a fierce gunfight. Both sides were wounded; Ruslee died at the scene, while one attacker later died at the hospital. The other assailant, who was driving the motorcycle, fled the scene.
After the incident, Police Major General Suwarot, Pattani provincial police chief, radioed a warning to local forces and to units at the border area between Bacho District and Narathiwat Province to check suspicious motorcycles and individuals. He ordered a 500-meter radius lockdown and searches to swiftly track down the fleeing suspect, suspecting possible aid in hiding.
Simultaneously, investigative teams were instructed to gather evidence, review CCTV footage along relevant routes, and examine the firearms of the deceased assailant to determine if they had been used in previous incidents. The investigation aims to uncover accomplices and related parties.
Authorities initially consider the attack to be linked to insurgent groups targeting state officials. However, confirmation of the motive and involved individuals awaits further investigation and forensic results.
Regarding Muhammad Bila, preliminary checks showed he had received combat training abroad and had connections to unrest activities in the area. This information will be used to support the case, while authorities continue to pursue the remaining suspect for prosecution.