Security forces launched a coordinated raid and fierce shootout in Ban Tuengor, Si Sakhon District, Narathiwat Province. Police Sergeant from Si Sakhon Police Station was killed on Police Day, and two ranger volunteers were wounded. Initial reports indicate three suspects died; their identities and backgrounds are being verified. They are believed to be members of a new generation insurgent group.
At 11:30 a.m. on 17 Oct 2016, Pol. Col. Kanit Tengting, Chief of Si Sakhon Police Station, Narathiwat Province, Col. Charnrit Hansaraj, Commander of Task Force 49, and Col. Nopadol Prommak, Commander of the Narathiwat Provincial Special Operations Unit, jointly led a law enforcement operation to investigate a suspicious house at No. 57, Ban Tuengor, Village 3, Si Bannapot Subdistrict, Si Sakhon District, Narathiwat Province, following tips and surveillance indicating suspicious individuals residing there.
Upon arrival, officers surrounded the target and announced their presence to conduct a search. However, the suspects inside the house opened fire on the officers, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire lasting over 10 minutes between both sides.
As a result, Police Sergeant Saroj Hodnuan, aged 51, a patrol squad leader at Si Sakhon Police Station, was shot multiple times and died. Two rangers from Task Force 49 were wounded: Ranger Pichit Bunnasri, 34, was shot in the head and back; Ranger Kiattisak Maneejan, 35, was shot in the left waist and back. The wounded and the deceased were urgently transported to Si Sakhon Hospital for emergency treatment.
Initially, Rangers Pichit and Kiattisak were transferred to Narathiwat Rajanagarindra Hospital for further treatment. Both are currently under close medical supervision.
Later, Boonsuay Homyamyen, Narathiwat Provincial Governor; Pol. Maj. Gen. Prayong Khotsakha, Commander of Narathiwat Provincial Police; Pol. Col. Direk Chomyong, Deputy Commander of Narathiwat Provincial Police; Pol. Col. Niyom Suwankong, Chief of Narcotics Suppression Division, Narathiwat; bomb disposal unit personnel from the Narathiwat Provincial Police; forensic officers; and related officials inspected the crime scene inside the house. They found three suspects dead, identities unknown pending verification. They are believed to be members of a new generation insurgent group. Seized evidence included two M16 rifles and several rounds of ammunition.
Authorities are awaiting relevant personnel to conduct further inspections. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.