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Deep South Gunmen Raid Three Officials' Homes for Firearms
By Khaosod English


Security officers inspect vehicles at a checkpoint in Betong district of Yala, 13 July 2015

NARATHIWAT — Masked gunmen forcefully stole four state-issued firearms from the homes of three local officials in the restive province of Narathiwat last night.

According to police, the three incidents were carried out in succession by around five or six armed men who were wearing balaclavas in Bacho district. The group reportedly raided three homes and held the occupants at gunpoint while they stole a total of four firearms that had been issued by the state. The homes belonged to Arwae Ali, a deputy village chief in Bacho district, Abdultole Italae, another deputy village chief, and Rayali Masalae, a member of community defense corps.

Police are questioning the witnesses and combing the three homes for forensic evidence that could lead to the suspects, said Pol.Lt. Wiroj Boonkhae, an officer at Bacho Police Station.

It is not confirmed whether the three incidents were carried out by the same group of people.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1436945554


-- Khaosod English 2015-07-15

[Bluespunk]

Hmm...let me get this right.

Masked men, presumably linked to the ongoing conflict, raided homes of state officials and held them hostage while they searched for these guns?

No one was hurt?

Ok this is a good thing, but it does seem a little out of character considering the violence this conflict has engendered over the past decade or more.

[seajae]

very strange that they never shot/killed them. They have no problem killing women and children but didnt hurt any of this lot, sounds very strange indeed, are we sure these weapons were stolen. Sounds more like a friendly drop in to buy a gun to me rather than terrorists looking for weapons, hopefully the police will investigaste this properly

[eliotness]

Very strange ! I would have thought, especially in the South, that anyone issued with a firearm by the government would be required to have a gun-safe. How can they issue weapons for people to just leave anywhere. Beyond belief !!!

Just as an aside, no single person stopped in that road check-point is wearing a helmet, guess the law doesn't apply in the South !!!

[ChaangNoi]

Sounds like the guns where in a locked safe. Had they not been it might have ended up differently. I'd open my safe if there was a guy pointing a gun at my head.

[Artisi]

The weapons are probably on the way to Japan already, seems they get special clearance through swampy and unlikely to be checked at the other end.

Of course the "raid" does raise a few questions, why do local officials have firearms - aren't they for protection- seems the baddies just walked in - not challenged in any way even though the officials are armed for protection, therefore you can assume that the issue of firearms is just a waste of time - might as well just issue a pointed stick or a sling-shot.

[Artisi]

very strange that they never shot/killed them. They have no problem killing women and children but didnt hurt any of this lot, sounds very strange indeed, are we sure these weapons were stolen. Sounds more like a friendly drop in to buy a gun to me rather than terrorists looking for weapons, hopefully the police will investigaste this properly

Don't hold your breath regarding investigation - all too busy investigation an ex police chief ..........

[Srikcir]

Very strange ! I would have thought, especially in the South, that anyone issued with a firearm by the government would be required to have a gun-safe. How can they issue weapons for people to just leave anywhere. Beyond belief !!!

Just as an aside, no single person stopped in that road check-point is wearing a helmet, guess the law doesn't apply in the South !!!

There was a proposal to ban motorcycle helmet initiated by Narathiwat governor.

Security personnel were stopping all motorcyclists wearing helmets into the Narathiwat town not aware of the ban.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/802734-wearing-motorcycle-helmets-to-be-banned-in-deep-south/