The Army Chief of Staff declared firmly that it is time to hunt down the perpetrators who attacked the Bukhe Sami checkpoint, no matter which country they are in. He ordered the forensic team to collect evidence from the wreckage of the vehicle used in the attack after it was set on fire, to serve as evidence linking to the suspects.
On 23 July 2026, General Chaipruk Duangprapat, Army Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Internal Security Operations Command, visited the scene at the Ton Yong Mas Municipality checkpoint (Bukhe Sami checkpoint) in Ra-ngae District, Narathiwat Province. He personally followed up on the situation and inspected the evidence after an attack on 22 July 2026, when armed assailants fired guns and threw pipe bombs at security personnel guarding the public. The attack resulted in the deaths of five rangers from the 45th Ranger Regiment.
During this visit, the Army Chief of Staff received a situation briefing and assessed the damage. He paid tribute to the sacrifice of the five brave soldiers who served courageously until their last moments. The army confirmed it will provide the families of the deceased with full rights and dignified welfare.
At 14:10, the Army Chief of Staff personally inspected the location in Sakho Subdistrict, Si Sakhon District, Narathiwat Province, where the perpetrators burned the vehicle used in the attack to destroy evidence. He ordered forensic teams to thoroughly collect evidence to link and expedite efforts to track down and arrest all suspects for legal prosecution.
He also assigned the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front to consider using force appropriately according to the rules of engagement, under legal principles, necessity, and proportionality, but with decisiveness. This is to suppress threats, build public confidence, and effectively maintain security in the area.
General Chaipruk Duangprapat, Army Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Internal Security Operations Command, said he spoke with the Fourth Army Area Commander and that there will need to be an adjustment of tactics regarding the incident. He said, "The time has come for us to pursue those responsible. Whoever helps them, whichever country they are in, we will pursue them. It is time for us to be the hunters."
