PM Condemns Attack, Orders Manhunt for Insurgents
Five ranger officers were killed and two civilians injured in a pipe bomb and gunfire attack at a Narathiwat checkpoint; PM Anuwit ordered a nationwide manhunt and maximum legal penalties for those responsible.
On July 23, 2569, government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek revealed that Prime Minister Anuwit Chanyaweerakul and the Interior Minister condemned the terrorist attack in Narathiwat. Assailants opened fire and threw pipe bombs at the Buketa Samee municipal checkpoint in Ra-ngae district, Narathiwat province, killing five ranger officers and injuring two civilians. The Prime Minister ordered maximum penalties under law for those responsible, condemning terrorism as an obstacle to peace negotiations.
The government will improve its rapid intelligence gathering and protective measures for officials. The PM confirmed that the government will take decisive legal action and will not allow perpetrators to escape justice. He instructed the Fourth Army Region, the Internal Security Command Region 4, the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, the Interior Ministry, and relevant agencies to coordinate efforts to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators as quickly as possible.
The PM emphasized that this violent act is clearly a terrorist attack aimed at killing government officials and represents a serious national security threat. The government will apply strict legal measures without leniency. The Defense Minister was ordered to visit Narathiwat province to monitor the situation, inspect official performance, and coordinate security measures to prevent and address terrorism in the southern border provinces both in the short and long term, while restoring public confidence.
The PM expressed deep condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and injured civilians, and instructed relevant agencies to provide maximum assistance and care. Although local cooperation in addressing the problem has been good, the past two to three months have seen escalating violence from terrorist operations aimed at creating fear and targeting state officials. The government will enforce the law strictly while ensuring public safety and building confidence in the border region.
