The 4th Army has launched an operation to flush out southern insurgents hiding in local villages in the violence-plagued deep South, according to 4th army commander, Lt Gen Pornsak Poolsawat.
He was speaking after a suspected insurgent was killed yesterday morning and several others injured in a clash with paramilitary rangers at a village in tambon Laloh in Rueso district of Narathiwat.
Lt Gen Pornsak said soldiers had been deployed to villages where they stepped up patrols and slept in villages, to enhance security for locals.
Paramilitary patrols had forced hiding insurgents to leave and flee to mountainous areas.
The clash occurred yesterday after soldiers chased the insurgents to "clear the areas", Lt Gen Pornsak said.
A team of rangers were deployed to the foothill of a mountain about 7am yesterday and found about five suspected insurgents gathering there.
Upon seeing the rangers, the men opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire for about 30 minutes before the suspects fled.
One man, identified as Isamair Wamang, 29, was shot dead. An M16 rifle was found near him along with food supplies and kitchen utensils.
There were traces of blood in the area, suggesting several of the insurgents might have been injured during the gunfire.
More officers were called in and checkpoints were set up along possible escape routes.