Ranger Opens Fire on Comrades in Pattani: One Dead, Four Injured – Suspect Surrenders

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A paramilitary ranger has surrendered to authorities following a shooting incident at a military outpost in Pattani province that left one soldier dead and four others injured.

The shooting occurred in the early afternoon of 21 May, near the 4215th Ranger Company base in Ban Nam Bo, Panare district. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Paramilitary Ranger Prawit Lueampol, allegedly opened fire on his fellow soldiers using an AK-style assault rifle before fleeing the scene armed and in full uniform.

One of the injured was named as Ranger Pongdet Nanaesuk, 30, who suffered gunshot wounds to the abdomen and left arm while inspecting a faulty water pump near the base. Witnesses say Prawit, who was on sentry duty at the base entrance, opened fire without warning, hitting Pongdet twice. As he attempted to fire again, another ranger discharged warning shots into the air, prompting Prawit to escape on foot with his weapon.

Emergency responders swiftly transported the wounded to Panare Hospital. Ranger Pongdet, in critical condition, was stabilised and transferred to Pattani Hospital for further treatment, but later died. All injured personnel are believed to be members of the same ranger unit.

A manhunt was launched immediately, with Colonel Sanrat Nilsalap, Commander of the 42nd Ranger Task Force, coordinating efforts with local police. Villagers were advised to stay indoors amid concerns the fugitive might be hiding in the community.

However, at approximately 21:40  on the same day, Prawit surrendered to the commander of the 42nd Ranger Regiment. He was subsequently handed over to police for legal proceedings. His surrender came after extensive coordination between the military, local police, and community leaders.

According to a military spokesperson, the incident began when Ranger Pongdet and colleagues informed the duty officer that they were stepping outside the base perimeter to inspect a malfunctioning water pump. They notified Prawit, who was on guard duty, before exiting the compound. As Pongdet approached the pump, Prawit reportedly opened fire, hitting him in the stomach and arm.

Initial investigations have yet to uncover a clear motive. Officials stated that there was no prior indication of personal conflict between the suspect and victims, and Prawit had passed a routine psychological evaluation earlier this year. Mental health concerns have nonetheless been raised by local residents, though no formal diagnosis has been confirmed.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the attack and have pledged full transparency as the legal process unfolds.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-22.