A defence volunteer in the southernmost province of Narathiwat was shot dead on the way home from a rubber plantation early Saturday.
The dead man was identified as Mama-anwa Baka, 51, who was a native of tambon Puyoh in Sungai Kolok district.
His body was found lying face-down on a road in Ban Bue Ba village of tambon Pasaymas in Sungai Kolok district at about 6am. He had been shot once in his chest. His motorcycle lay beside his body and a .38 bullet was found there.
Police said that Mama-anwa had left his home alone to collect latex. On his way home, another motorcycle followed and then passed him. The pillion rider on that vehicle shot him and fled the scene.
Police are still investigating to determine whether the killing stemmed from a personal conflict or was linked to the southern insurgency.