A ranger was killed by a bomb explosion while a patrol was providing security for teachers on the Pattani-Narathiwat road in Panare district, Pattani province, on Wednesday morning, police said.
Pol Col Panyawat Phetchum, the Panare police chief, said the attack occurred about 6.50am.
A six-member patrol from Company 4204 of the 42nd Rangers Regiment was on foot patrol near Moo 1 village in tambon Don. Ranger Putthapong Homsoong stepped on a land mine, detonating it. The powerful explosion blew his body in half.
Bomb-disposal police said it was a home-made bomb weighing about 15 kilogrammes.