Police Seek Additional Arrests in Buko Sami Checkpoint Attack
Police are pursuing additional suspects in a July 22 attack on a Narathiwat checkpoint that killed five rangers, with investigators linking the assault to militant groups and analyzing forensic evidence to identify remaining accomplices.
On July 27, 2025, Colonel Ekwaridit Chobchuyot, deputy spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, announced developments in the investigation of the July 22 attack on the Buko Sami checkpoint in Rangae District, Narathiwat, where gunmen fired weapons and threw pipe bombs at rangers from the 45th Ranger Unit Task Force, killing five officers and injuring six civilians. The Narathiwat Provincial Court approved an arrest warrant for U Azesan on July 24, and authorities are actively pursuing him while seeking additional warrants as evidence emerges.
Officials questioned three suspects believed connected to the attack, with one released after failing to produce linking evidence. The investigation revealed that the firearm used in the attack is connected to multiple previous security incidents. Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements and have preliminarily determined the attackers are linked to militant groups in Janaé District, involving key figures U Abdulla and U Masawi, with additional accomplices and supporters still under investigation.
The security command thanked the public for cooperation and urged anyone with information about the perpetrators to contact security officials or call the 24-hour emergency hotline 1341, assuring callers of confidentiality. Officials declined to release tactical details to avoid compromising ongoing pursuit operations and the investigation.
