Deadly Attack in Narathiwat: Bomb and Gun Assault Leaves Ranger Dead

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Violence erupted in Rueso district, Narathiwat Province, when unknown assailants launched a coordinated attack involving a car bomb and gunfire, resulting in the death of a paramilitary ranger.

At around 20:10 on 1 June, a group of armed militants detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) targeting a civilian vehicle and simultaneously opened fire with automatic weapons on a security checkpoint located in front of the operations base of Ranger Company 4614, situated in Ban Ponoh, Moo 6, Suwari sub-district, Rueso district.

Security forces stationed at the checkpoint responded with gunfire, engaging the attackers in a firefight. During the exchange, one ranger was critically wounded. He was immediately transported to Rueso Hospital but succumbed to his injuries a short time later. The victim was identified as Volunteer Ranger Maitree Budda.

In the wake of the attack, authorities established multiple roadblocks and checkpoints throughout the area to search for the perpetrators, who are believed to have fled into nearby territory. Local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons, vehicles, or objects to authorities immediately via the 1341 or 191 emergency hotlines, both of which operate 24 hours a day.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions in Thailand’s southern border provinces, where separatist violence continues to pose a threat to both security forces and civilians. An investigation into the identities and motives of the attackers is currently underway.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-03.