NARATHIWAT: A soldier working with a development unit was gunned down on a road in Cho Airong district on Tuesday in what police blamed southern insurgents for the attack.
The body of Pol Sgt Maj Phatchai Suree, 26, was found near his motorcycle in roadside grass on Charusathian road, part of the Cho Airong-Sungai Padi route, Pol Lt Atthapol Boonthawee, deputy investigation chief for Cho Airong district, said.
The senior non-commissioned officer was attached to the 41st mobile development unit. He left his living quarters in tambon Tanyongmas, Rangae district, by motorcycle, heading to work in nearby Sungai Padi district, on Tuesday morning. About 10.15am it was reported to police he had been attacked and killed.
In Cho Airong district he was followed by two men on a motorcycle. The pillion rider fired five shots at him. He fell off his bike and the attackers fled.
Police blamed separatist insurgents.