Gunfire tears through a Narathiwat hideout as police and soldiers confront armed suspects. A sergeant and three men die, while two rangers are badly wounded. Just a day earlier, a Pattani defence volunteer was killed fighting back against an ambush.
Six men were killed in two days of deadly insurgent violence across southern Thailand. On Saturday, a fierce gun battle in Narathiwat left Police Sergeant Saroj Hodnuan and three suspected insurgents dead. Two rangers were seriously wounded. Security forces recovered M16 rifles and identified suspects wanted over earlier attacks. The bloodshed followed Friday’s ambush in Pattani, where territorial defence volunteer Rusli Uma was shot dead while travelling to prayers. However, he returned fire and killed one suspected attacker. Police are now investigating both confrontations, while the national police chief orders full honours for Sergeant Saroj, killed on National Police Day.
A police sergeant and three suspected insurgents were killed in a fierce gun battle in Narathiwat on Saturday, October 17. Two paramilitary rangers were seriously wounded as security forces fought armed men inside a suspected insurgent hideout.
The firefight lasted more than ten minutes before officers secured the property and recovered two M16 assault rifles. Crucially, the violence came just 24 hours after a territorial defence volunteer was killed in neighbouring Pattani.
He was ambushed while travelling to Friday prayers but returned fire, killing one suspected attacker. Consequently, six men died across the two southern provinces in two days, including two members of Thailand’s security forces.
Police and soldiers surround suspected insurgent hideout in Narathiwat before occupants open fire
Saturday’s confrontation began at approximately 11.30 am in Sri Sakhon district, Narathiwat province. A combined police and military force surrounded a house suspected of sheltering armed insurgents. The operation targeted house number 57 in Ban Tueng Ngo, Village 3, Si Banphot subdistrict.
Earlier intelligence had indicated that suspicious individuals were staying at the property. Subsequently, police investigations prompted a coordinated operation involving local officers, paramilitary rangers and provincial security personnel.
Police Colonel Kanit Tengting, superintendent of Sri Sakhon Police Station, led the police contingent. He was joined by Colonel Charnrit Hansaraj, commander of the 49th Ranger Task Force. Colonel Nopadol Prommak, commander of the Narathiwat provincial special operations unit, also participated.
Together, the senior officers directed the operation against the suspected insurgent hideout. Their personnel moved into position and surrounded the property before attempting to conduct a search.
Officers identified themselves and announced their intention to search the house. However, according to police, armed occupants immediately opened fire on the security personnel. The operation quickly developed into a sustained exchange of gunfire.
Police sergeant killed and two rangers seriously wounded as ten-minute gun battle claims four lives
Officers returned fire as the confrontation continued for more than ten minutes. During the shooting, Police Sergeant Saroj Hodnuan, 51, was struck several times. The patrol squad leader, attached to Sri Sakhon Police Station, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and subsequently died.
Meanwhile, two members of the 49th Ranger Task Force were seriously wounded during the confrontation. Ranger Pichet Bunnasri, 34, suffered gunshot wounds to his head and back. Ranger Kiattisak Maneejan, 35, was shot in his left waist and back.
Both men were participating in the operation when the occupants opened fire. Emergency personnel subsequently transported the casualties to Sri Sakhon Hospital for urgent treatment. However, the rangers’ injuries required further medical attention, prompting their transfer to Narathiwat Rajanagarindra Hospital.
Medical teams placed both wounded men under specialist supervision. Their longer-term medical condition had not been confirmed by Saturday evening.
Separately, an initial Isranews report indicated that helicopter 212 had been requested for possible casualty evacuation. The gun battle eventually ended with three suspected insurgents dead inside the property. Initially, security reports confirmed only one suspected insurgent had been killed. However, subsequent searches established that three men had died, bringing Saturday’s death toll to four.
Two M16 rifles seized as military identifies three dead suspects linked to earlier Narathiwat attacks
Investigators recovered two M16 assault rifles and a quantity of ammunition from the house. The weapons were retained for forensic examination as officers began investigating the dead men’s backgrounds.
By Saturday evening, the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command, known as ISOC 4, had issued an updated account. The military confirmed the identities of all three dead suspects.
Significantly, it also disclosed suspected connections to previous armed attacks in Narathiwat, including a petrol station bombing and an earlier shooting.
The first dead man was identified as Haseng Porma, 30. According to the latest identification report, he was wanted in connection with a petrol station bombing in Ra-ngae district. The attack targeted a PTT petrol station in Tanyongmas on January 13, 2016.
Security officials said an arrest warrant had previously been issued against him. However, another military account referred to warrant number 147/2569 and a petrol station bombing in January 2026. The conflicting dates had not been reconciled in the available reports.
Nevertheless, security officials identified Haseng as a suspect previously linked to violence in the southern border provinces. The second dead man was Abu Aznan Cheh Mae, 26. Investigators reported that he was wanted over the shooting of two people in Ra-ngae district on June 15, 2019.
The victims were identified as Mr Paisarn and Mrs Sumon. However, the available reports did not establish their subsequent medical condition or provide further details of the original shooting. Security officials nevertheless reported that Abu Aznan had an outstanding arrest warrant connected to the case.
House owner among three killed as investigators examine possible DNA links to earlier armed clashes
The third man was identified as Yu Kasae, 56, the owner of the house where Saturday’s gun battle occurred. According to security officials, Yu had previously provided accommodation and other assistance to suspected insurgents.
As a result, investigators were examining whether the property had been used to support earlier armed operations. However, they had not publicly established whether Yu personally fired a weapon during Saturday’s confrontation.
Nor had officials disclosed the precise nature of the assistance he was suspected of providing. All three men died during the confrontation at the property.
Further information subsequently emerged concerning possible forensic connections involving Haseng Porma and Abu Aznan Cheh Mae. Both men reportedly had DNA links recorded in a security database following an earlier armed confrontation. The incident was reported to have occurred at Khao Tawae in Cho Airong district, Narathiwat.
According to one identification report, the confrontation took place on September 9, 2026. In contrast, another military account referred to an incident at Khao Tawae on October 9. The conflicting dates remained unresolved, while the original DNA findings were still undergoing verification.
Forensic teams investigate recovered M16 rifles as Narathiwat governor and police chiefs inspect scene
Investigators had not confirmed that the relevant forensic samples originated from the reported confrontation. Accordingly, the precise evidential connection between the two dead men and the earlier incident remained under examination.
Security personnel were also investigating whether the recovered weapons had been used in previous attacks. The discovery of two M16 rifles provided investigators with physical evidence from Saturday’s shooting.
However, forensic examinations were required to establish their precise involvement. Officers also sought to determine whether the weapons could be connected to other incidents in the southern border provinces.
Following the gun battle, security personnel secured the house and surrounding area. Police and military units maintained a cordon while forensic specialists prepared to examine the scene. At the same time, senior provincial officials arrived to inspect the property and supervise the investigation.
Narathiwat Governor Boonchuey Homyamyen attended alongside Police Major General Prayong Kotrasakha, commander of Narathiwat Provincial Police. Police Colonel Direk Chomyong, deputy provincial police commander, also participated. In addition, Police Colonel Niyom Suwannakhong, head of the provincial police investigation division, joined the inspection.
Security cordon remains in place as investigators search for accomplices and examine insurgent links
Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel were deployed alongside forensic officers and other security specialists. The teams examined the property, collected evidence and inspected the recovered firearms and ammunition.
Investigators also worked to establish the identities and backgrounds of the three dead suspects. As part of the inquiry, police sought to determine whether other individuals had assisted the men or used the property. The investigation extended to possible connections with earlier security incidents in Narathiwat. Security personnel remained deployed around the house while officers continued their examination.
ISOC 4 subsequently warned residents to avoid Ban Tueng Ngo and surrounding areas during the operation. The military urged the public to follow official security announcements while investigators completed their work.
Meanwhile, officers continued gathering evidence concerning the three dead suspects and their possible associates. The military said additional individuals connected to the suspected insurgents could be identified through the investigation. However, no further arrests were confirmed in the available Saturday evening reports. Several important details surrounding the confrontation also remained unresolved.
Police chief orders support for fallen sergeant’s family as questions remain over deadly firefight
Police confirmed that Sergeant Saroj suffered multiple gunshot wounds during the exchange. Nevertheless, the precise circumstances in which he was hit had not been publicly established. The available accounts did not explain his exact position when the occupants opened fire.
There was also no confirmed account of whether the armed men were offered an opportunity to surrender after shooting began. Furthermore, investigators had not publicly established which of the three dead men had fired the recovered weapons. The examination of the property and the firearms was therefore continuing.
Saturday’s killing of Sergeant Saroj prompted an immediate response from Thailand’s national police leadership. Police General Samran Nuanma, Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, was informed of the officer’s death.
In response, he expressed condolences to Saroj’s family and ordered comprehensive assistance for his relatives. Police Major General Siriwat Deepho, spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, confirmed the commissioner’s instructions. Provincial Police Region 9 was ordered to arrange all applicable welfare payments and financial benefits. Senior officers were also instructed to assist the family with funeral arrangements.
National Police Day marked by sergeant’s death as police arrange funeral and rangers receive treatment
The commissioner ordered a funeral reflecting the officer’s service and death in the line of duty. Preparations were reported for Sunday, October 18, in Su-ngai Padi district, Narathiwat. Separately, the police chief instructed officers operating in the southern border provinces to observe appropriate tactical precautions.
His instructions followed the death of the experienced patrol officer during the operation against suspected insurgents. Notably, the killing occurred on National Police Day, the annual occasion recognising members of the Royal Thai Police. This year’s observance in Narathiwat was therefore marked by the death of a serving officer.
Police headquarters publicly honoured Sergeant Saroj and praised his courage during the operation. The force described him as an officer who continued protecting public safety until his final moments. Furthermore, the commissioner ordered continuing support for the family following his death.
Funeral arrangements were being prepared as investigators continued examining the scene of the shooting. In parallel, the two wounded rangers remained under specialist medical supervision following their transfer to Narathiwat Rajanagarindra Hospital. Their medical condition remained a significant concern following the firefight.
Pattani volunteer shot dead travelling to Friday prayers after returning fire and killing attacker
Saturday’s confrontation came less than 24 hours after another deadly attack against a security volunteer in neighbouring Pattani. On Friday, October 16, territorial defence volunteer Rusli Uma was shot dead while travelling to Muslim prayers.
The attack occurred at approximately 1.30 pm in Mai Kaen district. Rusli was a member of the Mai Kaen District Territorial Defence Corps. He was riding a motorcycle when an unidentified number of gunmen ambushed him. According to security officials, the attackers opened fire as the volunteer travelled to attend Friday prayers.
However, Rusli was armed and returned fire despite being caught by surprise. The exchange left him fatally wounded. Even so, his return fire reportedly struck one of the attackers. The wounded suspect was subsequently transported to Mai Kaen Hospital, where he died.
Security officials later identified the dead man as Muhammad Bila Kama, a resident of Village 5, Ban Nam Bo subdistrict, Panare district, Pattani. According to preliminary intelligence, Muhammad had undergone training in a neighbouring country.
Investigators also suspected connections between Muhammad and earlier insurgent violence in Thailand’s southern border provinces. However, those claims remained under investigation. Officials had not disclosed evidence establishing his precise involvement in previous attacks.
Nor had security personnel identified every gunman involved in Friday’s ambush. Following the shooting, police and military personnel secured the scene and began collecting evidence. Investigators recovered a green Yamaha motorcycle and a handgun. They also found six spent 9mm cartridge cases and one bullet projectile.
Police hunt remaining Pattani gunmen as military honours volunteer killed during Friday prayer journey
The recovered items were retained for forensic examination as officers sought to reconstruct the attack. Meanwhile, police continued searching for other suspects believed to have escaped after the confrontation.
The number of attackers involved had not been confirmed. Investigators were also examining whether Muhammad had acted with other armed individuals. However, no further arrests were reported in the available information. The Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command subsequently issued a tribute to Rusli and expressed condolences to his family.
The military praised the volunteer for returning fire during the ambush. According to its account, Rusli fought back despite the sudden attack. His return fire reportedly struck Muhammad, who subsequently died in hospital.
The confrontation therefore left two men dead, including the territorial defence volunteer. It also triggered a search for other suspected attackers. Less than 24 hours later, another member of Thailand’s security forces was killed in Narathiwat. However, Saturday’s confrontation occurred during a planned police and military operation rather than an ambush against an individual volunteer.
Two southern attacks leave six dead as police investigate separate clashes in Pattani and Narathiwat
In Pattani, gunmen attacked Rusli while he was travelling to prayers. He returned fire, and one suspected attacker was killed. In Narathiwat, security personnel surrounded a suspected insurgent hideout before armed occupants opened fire.
The subsequent gun battle lasted more than ten minutes. It killed Sergeant Saroj and three suspected insurgents. Additionally, two paramilitary rangers suffered serious gunshot wounds requiring hospital treatment. Together, the incidents left six people dead across Pattani and Narathiwat between Friday afternoon and Saturday.
The fatalities included a police sergeant, a territorial defence volunteer and four suspected insurgents. Two additional security personnel were wounded. However, investigators had not established any direct operational connection between the two confrontations. There was no confirmed evidence linking the gunmen involved in Friday’s Pattani ambush to the three men killed in Narathiwat.
Consequently, police and military personnel were conducting separate investigations. In Pattani, the inquiry centred on the ambush, the dead suspected attacker and possible accomplices.
Forensic inquiries continue into both attacks while two wounded rangers remain under hospital care
Investigators were examining the recovered handgun, cartridge cases and motorcycle. On another front, security personnel continued searching for other individuals believed to have escaped. In Narathiwat, the investigation focused on the house, the three dead men and the recovered M16 rifles.
Officers were also examining possible connections to earlier armed incidents. The reported DNA links involving Haseng Porma and Abu Aznan Cheh Mae remained subject to verification. Furthermore, the reported arrest warrants concerning the petrol station bombing and the 2019 shooting required examination.
The conflicting dates in the security reports had not been reconciled by Saturday evening. Investigators were also attempting to establish the precise circumstances surrounding Sergeant Saroj’s death.
Meanwhile, the two wounded rangers remained under medical supervision following their transfer to Narathiwat Rajanagarindra Hospital. Their longer-term prognosis had not been publicly confirmed. The Narathiwat operation therefore remained under investigation despite the identification of the three dead suspects. Security personnel continued examining the property and collecting evidence.
Police prepare funeral for fallen sergeant as six deaths across two provinces prompt further inquiries
At the same time, the Royal Thai Police was preparing funeral arrangements for Sergeant Saroj. The police chief had ordered full assistance for his family and directed officers to observe appropriate precautions during future operations.
In Pattani, investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding Rusli’s death and the suspected attacker’s identity. Both incidents had claimed the lives of serving security personnel. However, the evidence available did not establish that the attacks were coordinated or involved the same armed group.
By Saturday evening, four men had been confirmed dead in Narathiwat and two in Pattani. The Narathiwat fatalities comprised Sergeant Saroj and three suspected insurgents. The Pattani dead were Rusli and suspected attacker Muhammad Bila Kama.
Police and security forces crush insurgents linked to the July 22nd checkpoint atrocity in Narathiwat
Five soldiers killed in attack by armed insurgents at a checkpoint in Narathiwat on Wednesday evening
Furthermore, two paramilitary rangers remained hospitalised after suffering serious gunshot wounds. Police and military investigators were pursuing leads in both provinces, including forensic evidence and possible links to previous attacks.
Meanwhile, funeral preparations continued for Sergeant Saroj following his death on National Police Day. His killing came one day after territorial defence volunteer Rusli was shot dead while travelling to Friday prayers.
The two incidents left six people dead within 24 hours, including two members of the security forces and four suspected insurgents. Investigations continued in both provinces on Saturday evening, with the two wounded rangers receiving hospital treatment and police searching for possible accomplices.
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Ranger killed in heavy Narathiwat security operation. Extended battle between army and insurgents
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