Regional Military Command Honors Fallen Ranger in Memorial Service as Security Forces Pursue Militant Group
A ranger sergeant major was killed by a bomb planted by militants in Narathiwat's Waeng District on May 11; the 4th Army Region honored him with a memorial service while authorities pursue members of the Tawajep-Sulkipli group.
Narathiwat — The 4th Army Region held a water blessing ceremony and memorial service for Sergeant Major Adisorn Kambunchoo, a ranger with the 1106 Ranger Company who was killed by a bomb planted by militants while on duty. Security officials have identified the perpetrators as members of the Tawajep-Sulkipli group, with authorities intensifying efforts to bring them to justice.
On May 12, at Wat Bang Nara in Muang District, Narathiwat Province, Maj. Gen. Nartip Phoynanok, commander of the 4th Army Region, presided over the ceremony honoring Sergeant Major Adisorn Kambunchoo of the 11th Special Operations Ranger Regiment. The officer died in a bombing incident on May 11 while performing duties on the Sungai Kolok-Lok-Waeng road in Ban Namkhao Village, Kayu Khalah Subdistrict, Waeng District.
Senior military and government officials attended, including Deputy Governor Nakhrinun Kamrai, representing Narathiwat's provincial governor. Wreaths were presented on behalf of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Defense Minister Anudom Boonthermcharoen, Army Commander Phinnakrit Khlaewplodthuk, and the 4th Army Region command.
The 4th Army Region presented the Bangrachan Medal, a certificate of honor, and funeral assistance funds to the deceased's family. Provincial authorities also provided 500,000 baht in compensation, 30,000 baht from the Thai Hearts Foundation, and 5,000 baht from the Red Cross. The ranger's remains were then transported to his hometown in Khon Kaen Province for religious rites.
Investigators believe the bombing was carried out by the Tawajep-Sulkipli militant group, led by Tawajep Metharongkham and Sulkipli Mana, command-level operatives active in the border regions of Waeng, Sungai Patani, and Sungai Kolok districts. Authorities are actively collecting evidence and reviewing surveillance footage to pursue the perpetrators.
