Same Gun Linked to Businessman's Death in Yala
A prominent businessman shot dead outside his Yala office in July 2024 was killed with the same rifle used in a previous attack on a territorial defense volunteer in June 2023, prompting investigators to focus on a violent extremist group.
Senior police official Tawi Ratchayong traveled to a Buddhist charitable association in Kaeng District, Rayong, to attend a merit-making ceremony and offer condolences to the family of Chatchawal Buranarak, commonly known as "Hia Chatch," a 60-year-old prominent businessman and owner of Samdao Parawood Company. Chatchawal was killed under suspicious circumstances outside his office in Muang District, Yala Province, on July 13, 2024.
Closed-circuit television footage from the office revealed clear details of the incident. At 10:26:58 a.m., Chatchawal arrived at the office entrance and bent down to check a package when an assailant from across the street fired a single shot. The 5.56-millimeter round penetrated his left chest and passed through his body. At 10:27:22 a.m., he collapsed as employees rushed to help. He died shortly after.
Forensic analysis of the bullet recovered from Chatchawal's body has linked the weapon to the same rifle used in a previous shooting on June 13, 2023, that killed territorial defense volunteer Issama Niwah in Bannang Sata District, Yala. The volunteer was shot while riding his motorcycle back to his base. Investigators are now focusing on a violent extremist group known to have used this weapon in previous attacks and are working to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.
