Man Gunned Down with Assault Rifle in Pattani

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A 32-year-old man was shot dead in broad daylight on in a brutal roadside attack in the restive province of Pattani. The assailants reportedly used military-grade firearms to ambush the victim as he rode his motorcycle home from a hospital visit.

Police at Maikhaen Station received a report at approximately 15:30 that a civilian had been shot and killed in Moo 2, Talok Kraithong Subdistrict, Maikhaen District, Pattani province. Officers arrived at the scene to find the lifeless body of Mr Nitichai Mankaew lying next to his motorcycle.

Investigators recovered multiple spent shell casings from the scene: two 5.56 mm rifle casings, one live round of the same calibre and six 9 mm handgun casings, indicating the use of more than one weapon.

Mr Nitichai, a general labourer, had reportedly just left Maikhaen Hospital and was heading home when he was ambushed and fatally shot at close range. Local residents told police that he was known for being hardworking and was the sole breadwinner for his family, caring for a sick mother and a disabled father. He earned a modest living clearing forested land on a casual basis.

Authorities are unsure if the attack may be linked to the ongoing unrest in Thailand’s southern border provinces, as no group has claimed responsibility. The investigation remains ongoing.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-07