Five Thai Soldiers Killed in Shooting and Bomb Attack in Restive South

BANGKOK: Five Thai soldiers were killed in a combined shooting and bomb attack at a security checkpoint in Thailand’s insurgency-hit southern province of Narathiwat, the army said, in one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent years.

The attack took place on Wednesday evening (July 22) at the Bukeh Sami checkpoint, where members of Task Force Ranger Regiment 45 were on duty protecting local residents, according to a statement from the Thai army.

“Members of Task Force Ranger Regiment 45 were killed when assailants opened fire and threw pipe bombs at the Bukeh Sami checkpoint,” the army said.

Six civilians were also wounded in the attack, including a 10-year-old boy who suffered a leg injury, local officials said. No group has claimed responsibility, and no arrests have been reported.

Authorities said CCTV footage released by Narathiwat officials appeared to show six suspects dressed in black travelling in a black pickup truck shortly before the attack. Security forces have sealed off the area as investigations continue.

The violence occurred in Thailand’s southern provinces, where a low-level separatist conflict has continued since 2004, resulting in the deaths of more than 7,000 people. Insurgent groups in the region have long sought greater autonomy.

Thai authorities have previously blamed separatist groups, including the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), for major attacks in the south.

Human rights groups said Wednesday’s attack was particularly significant due to the number of fatalities and the involvement of civilian casualties.

Thai opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut condemned the attack and urged the government to speed up efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible while supporting victims and the families of the soldiers killed.

The Thai army paid tribute to the fallen personnel, saying their “service and sacrifice will be remembered and honoured with the highest respect.”