Deadly Attack in Narathiwat: Two Officers Killed, Ten Injured in Bombings

Picture from responders.

A coordinated attack in Sungai Kolok, Narathiwat, has left two volunteer security officers dead and ten others injured, including civilians, after a series of shootings and bombings near the district office.

The attack began when armed assailants opened fire and threw explosives at security forces stationed in front of the district office. Shortly after, three additional explosions occurred across different locations in the town, causing further casualties and widespread damage.

The two security officers who lost their lives have been identified as Muhammad Sabri Nasawan and Tossapon Paiphim, both of whom were taken to Sungai Kolok Hospital but succumbed to their injuries.

Among the wounded are seven security personnel and three civilians. The injured security officers include Kamthorn Wongnakorn, Narongsak Ratrungsuntree, Thawatchai Chaiyasri, Madaree Tayeh, Apichai Butjeen, and Isuwan Binmaming. The civilian victims have been named as Jirapath Awaesue-mae and Ratchaneewan Juitong. One additional person sustained minor injuries but has yet to be identified.

Police in Sungai Kolok have reviewed CCTV footage, which captured two suspicious vehicles involved in the attack, a silver Isuzu D-Max pickup truck and a silver sedan, both without visible licence plates. The footage shows approximately ten assailants dressed in black outfits, some riding in the pickup’s cargo area and others inside the sedan.

Investigators believe the suspects used hand grenades to attack the district office, which suffered serious damage, before opening fire on security forces with unidentified firearms. The group then fled towards Tak Bai district.

Aside from the attack at the district office, explosions were reported at two additional locations:

• Near a convenience store in Toh Lue Bae community, where a gas cylinder left in the street exploded.

• At the railway intersection in Orkarn, where a fire extinguisher was left before detonating.

Meanwhile, authorities in Sungai Padi received reports of two electric poles being bombed near the Taling Soong Bridge, though no injuries were recorded.

Following the attack, security forces, including special operations teams and forensic units, have sealed off affected areas and are gathering evidence. Investigators are examining CCTV footage to trace the attackers’ escape route.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that all injured victims will receive full medical support.

“The government is committed to ensuring the safety of both security personnel and civilians. We have ordered local authorities to strengthen security measures and provide immediate assistance to those affected,” said Anutin.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police via emergency hotlines.

This latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges in Thailand’s deep south, where insurgent groups have been active for decades. Security agencies are now on high alert, fearing further violence in the region.

-- 2025-03-09