Manhunt Widens for Suspects in Narathiwat Cop Killings, Border Escape Feared

A manhunt for six suspects accused of killing two police officers in Narathiwat has intensified, with investigators focusing on the possibility that the perpetrators may have fled across the border. The attack occurred shortly before noon on Sunday at a palm plantation behind the Narathiwat provincial administration in Ba-ngi-strik. This led to the killing of Maj Sen Pok and Maj Pok Halan, all four other police officers stationed at the Ba-ngi-strik Provincial Police Station were injured. According to a source, investigators are confident that the suspect who shot the officers is a man known as "Fai," an fugitive wanted on drug charges. He is also believed to have been involved in a previous car bomb incident in front of the old Tan Yong Police Station. He may also have been involved in another car bomb attack on a vehicle carrying volunteer personnel returning from refresher training in Sungai Kolok district, which hit a Malaysian tourist car but missed its target. The bomb missed its target. These six individuals are now thought to be hiding in a neighboring country. The police said that the six were also identified as at least six assailants. Three of them are under arrest warrants for other cases, and the other three are on the run. Evidence collected at the palm plantation where the assailants are believed to have been positioned during the attack included a disassembled M16 rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, a 30-round magazine, a shotgun, a shoulder bag, a field knife, and a knife. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, shortly before noon, assailants opened fire at the Pattani Area Excise Office, Mayoh Branch, injuring one person and damaging the building. Preliminary investigation revealed that prior to the incident, excise officers and police officers had arrested a suspect in Sai Buri district, Pattani province, for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. The suspect was subsequently taken to the Pattani Area Excise Office, Mayoh Branch, for legal proceedings related to a fine. Approximately 10 minutes after arriving at the office, two assailants rode a motorcycle and then opened fire on the officer in front of the building. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and pursuing the suspects. Information source: Bangkok Post