PATTANI - Defence volunteers have been advised to vary their daily routine, because a fixed schedule makes their movements predictable to insurgents looking for a target.
The warning was given by 4th Army chief Lt Gen Paisan Noosang on Tuesday.
He said defence volunteers should vary their routine, both while on duty and off duty, for their own safety.
Lt Gen Paisan’s words of advice were offered after separatist insurgents opened fire at five defence volunteers on their regular evening run near their base in Mai Kaen district on Monday.
Two of the volunteers — Suhaimi Abu and Marosalee Tohseng — died from their injuries and two others — Dari Laemoh and Mureedan Abu — were still being treated in hospital for their wounds.
They were about 400 metres from base when attacked about 5.30pm by four insurgents on two motorcycles. The shooters were riding pillion and both wearing women’s clothing and hijabs.
Pattani police chief Pol Maj Gen Santhas Chueputtan said six spent cartridge shells were found at the scene, along with two live AK-47 rounds and a 9mm pistol cartridge.
Laweng School, located near the scene of the attack, remained open as usual on Tuesday, with heightened security in place to protect around 130 students and teachers.
The attack followed an incident on May 17 in which another defence volunteer was ambushed and shot in tambon Lam Paya in Yala while on his way to the Sadao checkpoint.