Two people were killed yesterday morning after gunshots were fired at a security vehicle in Pattani's Khok Pho district.
Pol Capt Suwat Chaimanee of Khok Pho police station said 42-year-old Muhamad Roree was injured by a gunshot at 2.30am after he had finished providing security for the day at Sateeka School. At least six gunmen were waiting in ambush as he drove home.
His passenger, Abdulkarim Muesa, 30, and 32-year-old Sabuding Niheng, who was driving on the stretch of road at the same time, died later at Khok Pho Hospital, the investigator said adding that the motivation was likely to dishearten local morale.
In a separate development, the Islamic Committee of Phatthalung will open an office on Phetkasem Road, a main road to the South, in Pa Bon district, so that Thai and foreign Muslims can visit, Ahmad Isun, chief of the committee said yesterday.
It will also establish funds that will be used for religious and community activities, as well as support member Muslims in times of need, he said, adding that the model came from the success of Ban Nua Mosque in Songkhla's Hat Yai district.
The committee will promote the relationship that Buddhists and Muslims have together.
On April 23-24, Chula Ratchamontri Aziz Pitakkumpol will preside over the opening of the province's annual Islamic event.