Pattani shootout ends with two suspects dead, one officer injured

A deadly confrontation unfolded in Thung Yang Daeng district, Pattani, southern Thailand, where a four-hour gunfight resulted in the deaths of two suspects and left one officer injured. This violent exchange occurred yesterday, May 1, at a rented house under surveillance for harbouring individuals wanted by the law.

The incident concluded with the discovery of two deceased, identified as Masobree from Yala and Asahar from Pattani, alongside an array of weapons, including an M16, an AK-47, and two handguns.

Special operations forces from Pattani province, working in conjunction with three other units, cordoned off the area on May 1 at 4pm after receiving information about suspicious individuals hiding in the Nam Dam area of Thung Yang Daeng.

Police evacuated civilians and engaged in negotiations with the help of community, local, and religious leaders to persuade the suspects to surrender. The situation escalated at 6pm when the suspects fired upon the officers, who returned fire in self-defence.

Following the shootout, as the dust settled, law enforcement officers entered the rental property and found the two bodies. The weapons recovered at the scene suggested the suspects were prepared for a violent confrontation.

The incident has prompted an intensive forensic investigation by the Evidence Collection Team 10, and the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front has extended condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased, reported KhaoSod.

The police have urged the public to report any suspicious activities by contacting the direct phone number of the Fourth Army Region Commander or the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 at 061-173-2999 or the emergency hotline at 1341.

The public is also warned that aiding and abetting criminals by providing shelter or supplies is also a criminal offence under Section 189 of the Penal Code, punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 40,000 baht (US$1,000), or both.