A ranger was found dead in front of Ban Siyoh School in tambon Bangoy Sinae in Yaha district of Yala province on Thursday morning, police said.
He was later identified as Isma-ae Waekaji, 28, attached to Ranger Company 4706 of the 47th Ranger Regiment.
Police and administrative officials called to the scene said the ranger had been shot many times in the head and the body. Aty least 10 ten spent shells of 11mm ammunition were found at the spot.
He was believed to have been died at least five hours previously.
Police believed the killing motivated by a personal conflict, but did not rule out it might be related to insurgency.