CIB Arrests Suspect in Yala Shooting After Year on the Run

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested a 20-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a rival and injuring another teenager during a roadside attack in Raman district, Yala province, ending a manhunt that lasted almost a year. The suspect was detained at a house in Raman district, with police seizing a .38 calibre revolver and ammunition allegedly hidden under a pillow. Authorities said the arrest removes a long-sought suspect from circulation and allows the case to proceed through the courts.

The suspect, identified as Mr Muhammat Sofat, 20, was wanted under multiple arrest warrants linked to a violent shooting in March 2025 and a separate military conscription offence. He is accused of opening fire on a rival on a public road, resulting in one death and one injury, before fleeing the area. Police said the weapon recovered during the arrest matches the calibre used in the attack.

The shooting occurred on the Kototueror–Cho Limas road in Village 2, Kototueror subdistrict, Raman district, Yala province. Mr Sulaiman, 18, was shot in the face and killed while driving with friends after encountering rivals on the road. A second teenager, Mr Roslee, 17, was injured when a stray bullet struck his arm as he rode a motorcycle past the scene.

Investigators said Mr Muhammat Sofat fled following the attack and later hid in Si Sakhon district, Narathiwat province. He was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by Yala Provincial Court (No. J.189/2568) dated 22 March 2025, for joint murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a firearm in public without permission. A second warrant was issued by Narathiwat Provincial Court (No. 444/2568) dated 15 July 2025, for evading military conscription.

The arrest was carried out by officers from the Crime Suppression Division under the CIB, led by Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chaoensai, the CIB commissioner. Police seized one Sarsilmaz SR-38 revolver, six rounds of .38 calibre ammunition loaded in the cylinder and a brown leather holster. Mr Muhammat Sofat admitted he was the person named in the warrants but denied all charges during initial questioning.

Police said the suspect has been handed over to investigators at Raman Police Station in Yala province for legal proceedings. The seized firearm and evidence were transferred to Si Sakhon Police Station in Narathiwat province as part of the case file. Authorities said further investigative steps and court proceedings will now follow.

Key Takeaways

• CIB arrested a 20-year-old suspect wanted for a fatal shooting in Yala dating back to March 2025.

• One teenager was killed and another injured during the roadside gun attack in Raman district.

• The suspect denies all charges and has been transferred for further legal proceedings.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thaitabloid 2026-01-20