Army Chief Orders Manhunt After Ranger Checkpoint Attack
Five soldiers died in a pipe bomb and gun attack on a ranger checkpoint in Narathiwat on July 23, prompting the army chief to order an intensive manhunt for the assailants.
On July 23, 2569, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Chaiyapruck Duangpratthana, acting as secretary of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), traveled to Narathiwat province following an armed attack on the Bukesami ranger checkpoint in Rangae district. Assailants used firearms and pipe bombs in the assault, killing five soldiers and injuring two civilians, including a 10-year-old boy.
Upon arrival, Gen. Chaiyapruck convened security officials to review the situation and assess response measures, ordering all units to strengthen enforcement efforts and coordinate aggressive operations to track down those responsible for prosecution. "I will have people search every village and every mountainous area," the general said. "Those who give them shelter, those countries that shelter them—know that we will hunt them to the ends of the earth. The perpetrators need to be careful about eating, sleeping, and moving. Your time as hunters is over; now you are the hunted."
