Manhunt Intensifies in Narathiwat After Armed Clashes
Security forces in Narathiwat have intensified a 13-day manhunt following coordinated attacks on a ranger checkpoint and police unit that killed seven officers, arresting 11 suspects and eliminating two militants.
Security forces in Narathiwat province have continued operations for 13 days to pursue militants responsible for attacks in Rangae and Tak Bai districts, with authorities killing two suspects and detaining 11 others. The initial attack occurred on July 22 when gunmen opened fire on a ranger checkpoint in Rangae, killing five rangers and injuring six civilians. A follow-up clash on August 2 at a palm plantation in Tak Bai during a narcotics operation resulted in two police deaths and four injuries.
During intensive search and containment operations, three suspects were apprehended in Tak Bai, with one providing crucial testimony that the two incidents were carried out by the same 13-member group. On August 5, a confrontation led to the elimination of two militants and recovery of a 9mm handgun stolen during the Tak Bai clash. The detained suspects are linked to four major security cases, including the two recent attacks plus an ambush on Chao Airong police station in May 2025. One of the killed suspects had a drug-trafficking record with outstanding warrants.
Security forces are maintaining heightened operations across three districts—Chanad, Sookirin, and Srisakhon—which border Rangae, with 24-hour mountain positions established near Naam Tok village in Sookirin to pressure and locate remaining group members believed to be hiding in the area.
