Two monks killed in temple shooting at Narathiwat

PHOTO: The Nation

“We believe that at least six assailants were involved in the shooting and are at large,” – police spokesman in the Su-ngai Padi district.

Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has condemned the latest violence in southern province Narathiwat where two monks were gunned down and others injured last night (Friday). Narathiwat is Thailand’s southern-most province.

Government spokesman Puttipong Bunnakun says that security authorities are now hunting for those behind the attack at the Rattananuparb temple in Sungai Padi district.

“The premier deplores the ambush at War Rattananuparb which resulted in deaths and injuries of monks. He ordered officials to urgently investigate the incident and bring those involved to justice. He asks the public to have confidence in the government’s commitment to restore peace in the country.”

The Nation reports that one of the slain monks was Prakru Prachote Rattananurak or Sawang, the abbot of the temple and chief monk of the Sungai Padi district.

Witnesses say the abbot was shot at close range and died instantly. Attackers are then reported to have opened the monk cubicles one by one firing randomly.

Witnesses says a group of about 10 men in camouflage uniforms, armed with military weapons, opened fire on monks who were in the temple at about 8.30pm last night.

Some witnesses claim the militants arrived on motorcycles while a Facebook user, Rungrot Kongpiban, quoted a monk who survived the attack saying the militants approached the back of the temple on foot.

The government spokesman said that the PM is ordering immediate strengthening of the security in the province and other areas and will arrange compensation for the families of the victims.

The shooting closely follows another incident yesterday morning when an insurgent was shot in a shootout between militants and insurgents near a local school. Read that story HERE.

SOURCE: The Nation | Reuters