Narathiwat heats up as gunmen lie in ambush and open fire Sergeant Amphon Yaodam a ranger from Task Force 48 was killed instantly while on leave visiting his wife; authorities are sealing off the area to hunt the perpetrators
At 19:10 on 4 November 2026, reporters reported that an unknown number of assailants ambushed and fatally shot a ranger. The incident occurred near Kampong Bue Nae village, Moo 6, Riko Subdistrict, Su-ngai Padi district, Narathiwat province.
Preliminary checks identified the deceased as Sergeant Amphon Yaodam of Ranger Company 4810, Task Force 48 (TF48). He was originally from Phatthalung province and had a wife living in Riko Subdistrict, Su-ngai Padi. On the day of the incident, he was on authorized leave and visiting family.
At the scene, authorities found a gray pickup truck with a cabin parked roadside; the driver's side window and cabin window were shattered from gunfire. The victim's body lay on the road beside the vehicle, deceased and bleeding heavily.
Additionally, investigators and forensic officials found bullet casings and bullets scattered on the concrete road near the scene. The area was cordoned off to document and collect these as critical evidence.
Officials preliminarily assess that the gunmen likely waited in a dark spot by the roadside or had been tracking the victim's movements continuously. When he passed by, they immediately opened fire, causing his death at the scene.
Currently, police, administrative officials, and military forces are jointly cordoning off the scene to conduct urgent searches and investigations. The exact motive remains under investigation.