Two suspected militants were arrested Tuesday after military and police laid siege to a house in Narathiwat province's Rangae district where Amran Ming, a leading insurgent wanted for more than 10 criminal and security-related offenses, was believed to be hiding.
Four alleged militants were inside when authorities arrived at the house in Ban Tradae in tambon Bango Sato Monday. They opened fire on officers when ordered to surrender around 10.30pm then fled into a nearby rubber plantation.
Authorities cordoned off the plantation and began clearing the area Tuesday morning, finding one suspected, identified as Baruwan Baka, hiding in the bush. He was caught with a 9mm pistol and rounds of ammunition.
Also found in the area was Aiman Kajae, 22, the owner of the house.
Mr Baruwan said Mr Amran and another suspect identified only as Asri had escaped with two M16 rifles.
Mr Baruwan is a suspect wanted for alleged involvement in the murder of teacher Julin Pongkanmul, a train attack, a bomb in Tanyongmat and many other incidents.