Five Thai rangers killed in coordinated insurgent attack in Narathiwat

NARATHIWAT, THAILAND — Five Thai paramilitary rangers were killed and six civilians, including two children, were injured after heavily armed attackers opened fire and hurled pipe bombs at a security checkpoint in Thailand's insurgency-hit southern province of Narathiwat on Wednesday evening.

The attack occurred at about 6.45pm at the Bukeh Sami checkpoint in Tanyong Mat subdistrict of Ra-ngae district, according to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command.

Security officials said around 10 attackers, dressed in black clothing and black hats, arrived in a black Nissan pickup truck accompanied by a motorcycle. The assailants launched a coordinated assault on personnel stationed at the checkpoint, firing weapons and throwing pipe bombs before fleeing the scene.

Five rangers killed in the assault

The dead were identified as Sergeant Major First Class Theerayoot Somakerd and four volunteer rangers: Sakeereeya Jehna, Wimol Dapthong, Nathasit Kaeosena and Solahuding Pi, all members of Ranger Company 4509 under the 45th Ranger Regiment Task Force.

Six civilians were injured in the attack. Authorities identified them as Habib Hina, 10; Muhammad Ali Abru, 67; Lanha Abru, 67; Muhammadhafit Hina, 15; Awatil Bueraheng, 3; and Masaifu Da-oh, 21.

Rescue workers transported the injured to hospital for treatment. Provincial authorities later reported that five of the injured had been discharged, while the 10-year-old boy remained in hospital with a leg injury. His condition was described as stable.

Attackers fled and later burned vehicle

After the attack, the gunmen fled along Highway 4055 towards Dusong Yo subdistrict.

Security officials later discovered the pickup truck used in the assault burned out in Ban Aijia village in Sakor subdistrict of Si Sakhon district, about 21 kilometres from the attack site.

The vehicle was found on Wednesday night in an area where the districts of Ra-ngae, Chanae and Si Sakhon meet.

Investigators recovered a burned licence plate from Songkhla province at the scene. Forensic officers collected evidence from the vehicle remains as part of efforts to identify the attackers.

Authorities said the assailants also stole three AK-47 assault rifles, three bulletproof vests and three mobile phones from the checkpoint before fleeing.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and no arrests have been reported.

Investigation focuses on suspected scouts

Investigators are examining the role of motorcyclists believed to have monitored security personnel movements before the attack.

Security officials said the motorcycles were used as lead and escort vehicles to scout the area around the checkpoint and relay information to the attackers.

CCTV footage reportedly showed two motorcyclists firing weapons to prevent people from approaching the checkpoint during the assault.

Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and tracing the movements of those suspected of assisting the attackers before and after the incident.

Security tightened across the province

Lieutenant General Norathip Phoynok, commander of the Fourth Army Area, visited the attack site on Thursday morning and ordered an intensive manhunt for those responsible.

He also instructed security agencies to strengthen operations across the region and provide assistance to the families of the slain rangers.

Narathiwat Governor Boonchuay Homyamyen later inspected the checkpoint alongside senior military, police and provincial officials.

Following an emergency security meeting, the governor ordered enhanced intelligence sharing among agencies, tighter security at checkpoints and government facilities, and closer coordination between military, police and civilian authorities.

He also instructed officials to ensure that families of those killed and injured receive compensation and support.

Security forces continue to pursue the suspects while reinforcing security measures across Narathiwat province.

Attack followed car bombing near police station

The checkpoint assault came less than 24 hours after a car bomb exploded near the old Tan Yong police station in Narathiwat's Muang district on Tuesday night.

According to Colonel Ekwarit Chobchupol, deputy spokesman for ISOC Region 4 Forward Command, the attackers used two improvised explosive devices concealed inside gas cylinders weighing four and 15 kilograms.

The explosives were detonated remotely.

Forensic examinations identified the vehicle used in the bombing as a grey Mitsubishi Lancer fitted with false licence plates copied from a Nissan Sunny.

CCTV footage showed the vehicle passing through the Phraiwan checkpoint shortly before the explosion.

Colonel Ekwarit said the tactic employed in the attack was not new to Thailand's southern border provinces. Similar methods have been used in previous attacks, including a car bombing in Tak Bai district of Narathiwat in August 2025.

Long-running insurgency

Thailand's southern border provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala have experienced a separatist insurgency for more than two decades.

According to security officials, approximately 7,700 people have been killed since insurgent violence resurged in the region in 2004.

The Thai government has been attempting to revive a stalled peace process through renewed talks with Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), the main insurgent umbrella organisation operating in the region.

Thailand's chief peace negotiator, Thanut Suvarnananda, has said the government intends to take into account the views of communities and groups affected by the violence as efforts continue to restart negotiations.