The Narathiwat governor announced a three-day closure of the "Tawe mountain range" to allow officials to investigate following a clash with a violent group. The public is advised to avoid entering the mountains and to report any suspicious individuals immediately.
At 13:00 on 10 Sep 2016, at the operations base meeting room of Ranger Company 4816, 48th Ranger Regiment, located at Village 1, Chua Subdistrict, Cho Airong District, Narathiwat Province, Mr. Boonchuay Hongyamyen, Narathiwat governor, and Colonel Anirut Ditpracha, deputy commander of Narathiwat Task Force, co-chaired a briefing and summary meeting regarding the clash between three security agencies and a violent armed group on the Tawe mountain range at Toleang Village, Village 3, Bukit Subdistrict, Cho Airong District at 12:30 on 9 Sep 2016.
Also present were Colonel Sathiraphong Artharn, director of the Peace Operations Center, Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front, Police Colonel Narin Choysuk, chief of Cho Airong Police Station, Mr. Akwit Chanthawong, Cho Airong district chief, and ten other relevant officials. They explained the responsibilities of each unit in the operation to pressure and pursue the suspects from 8 to 9 Sep 2016, which led to the armed clash lasting about one hour. The meeting was closed to unrelated personnel.
After the meeting, Mr. Boonchuay Hongyamyen, Narathiwat governor, explained that this stemmed from an incident in Buke Sami where violent perpetrators killed a ranger on 22 Jul 2016. The military, police, and local administration integrated efforts to track and prosecute the suspects. On 9 Sep 2016, a tip was received, prompting forces to investigate, resulting in a clash at 12:30 that continued until now. The area is currently sealed off, and residents have been notified.
Following this, an announcement was made to close the Tawe mountain range for three days, advising residents to avoid entering during this period. Village headmen and religious leaders have been informed that a clash is ongoing with violent actors. Residents are urged to report any unfamiliar persons entering the villages to officials, whether village heads, religious leaders, or district authorities. Those providing shelter to violent actors will face legal consequences. The governor also requested that media confirm official sources before reporting to prevent misunderstandings.
Colonel Anirut Ditpracha, deputy commander of Narathiwat Task Force, told reporters that security forces now control the area on Tawe mountain. Troops have been deployed to surround the area, while investigations continue to verify specific suspicious points.
Regarding reports of casualties among the suspects, security forces have not confirmed any deaths. Confirmation will come only after personnel on site complete their investigations. He urged everyone to rely on official sources for information.
There have been misleading reports on various news pages. He asked for cooperation in verifying news before dissemination. Although the clash site is not far, difficult terrain limits movement, requiring about half a day to traverse. Investigations are ongoing, and once completed, officials will provide confirmed information to the press.