Local Official Survives M16 Gun Attack in Pattani

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

A senior local government official narrowly escaped death after gunmen opened fire on his car with an M16 assault rifle in Pattani’s Thung Yang Daeng district.

The attack occurred on 2 September as Mr Wasin, 58, chief administrator of the Phiten Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, was driving home to Yala with his 36-year-old niece, Ms Nirasra.

As their white MG saloon crossed a bridge in Ban Phiten, attackers sprayed the vehicle with at least multiple rounds. Bullets shattered the windows and tore through the bodywork. Mr Wasin suffered a grazing wound to his forehead, while Ms Nirasra sustained cuts to her right arm from flying glass. Both were rushed to Thung Yang Daeng Hospital.

Police, soldiers and district officials quickly secured the scene, recovering several spent cartridges at the roadside. Security checkpoints were set up across nearby routes as authorities launched a search for the suspects, who are believed to have fled into surrounding forest areas.

Investigators said they are considering two possible motives: an attempt to stir unrest in the region, or a personal dispute involving the official. CCTV footage and witness statements are being reviewed as part of the investigation.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-09-04