An ustaz, or Islamic religious teacher, was shot and killed in an ambush in Nong Chik district of Pattani province on Wednesday morning, reports said.
He was identified as Humaidee Musaw, 38, an ustaz at Islam Community Foundation school of the southernmost border province.
Police said the shooting occurred around 8am on the Bor Thong-Yabi road at Moo 5, tambon Pulohpuyo of Nong Chik.
According to witnesses, Humaidee was driving his van to his school when a gunman hiding in a roadside rubber plantation fired on him.
The ustaz was shot several times in the body and taken to Nong Chik hospital. He was later pronounced dead.
Police blamed separatist militants.