Two Dead In Narathiwat Insurgent Attack

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Two dead in Narathiwat insurgent attack

PATTANI, April 7 - Two persons were killed in an exchange of gunfire between a security guard at the Pattani Veterans' Office and presumed insurgents Thursday morning as Thailand's army chief visits the nearby restive southern province of Narathiwat in a follow-up mission on army operations in violence-plagued provinces.

The dead were identified as local veterans' affairs office security guard Vichet Boonchai, 42, and suspected insurgent Abdulromae Chaewae, 23.

Pattani police investigator Pol Capt Manop Noohom said after inspecting the crime scene that Mr Vichet was riding his motorcycle home after finishing his shift at the veterans' office when two men on a motorcycle shot at him from behind.

The security guard fired back at his assailants, wounding one of them, before succumbing to his own wounds.

The other presumed insurgent fled the scene while Mr Vichet and the wounded assailant were sent to hospital. Both were later pronounced dead.

The incident took place while Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha was visiting nearby Narathiwat, meeting with governors of the three restive southern provinces--Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat--and security agencies to be briefed on the situation in the provinces.

Gen Prayuth’s visit was also to follow up the security operations under the strategies of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) which is focused on creating better understanding with local residents and the development of the provinces. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-04-07