Manhunt ordered after five rangers murdered in Narathiwat

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Chaiyapruek Duangprapat has ordered a relentless hunt for the insurgents responsible for a deadly attack on a Narathiwat checkpoint, as he visited the scene on yesterday to honour five paramilitary rangers killed in the line of duty and pledge full support to their families.

Gen. Chaiyapruek, who also serves as secretary general of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), arrived at the Bukeh Sami checkpoint in Ra-ngae district yesterday following an insurgent gun and pipe-bomb attack on security forces belonging to the 45th Paramilitary Ranger Task Force, resulting in five fatalities.

During his visit, Gen. Chaiyapruek received a briefing on the situation, assessed the structural damage caused and praised the bravery and dedication of the five fallen rangers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

He emphasised that the Royal Thai Army will ensure all rights, benefits and welfare assistance are provided to their families in a fitting and dignified manner.

The army chief of staff later travelled to Sa-ko sub-district in Sri Sakhon district, where the attackers set fire to their getaway vehicle in an attempt to destroy evidence.

He instructed forensics units to gather physical evidence meticulously, trace connections and accelerate operations to bring all the perpetrators to justice.

Furthermore, Gen. Chaiyapruek directed ISOC Region 4 Forward Command and all relevant units to apply the Rules of Engagement (ROE) as appropriate to the situation.

Gen. Chaiyapruek vowed “Anyone or any nation offering refuge (to those responsible) will be pursued endlessly. The perpetrators need to watch their backs every second. You are now the hunted.”

He also stressed that operational actions must adhere to legal, necessity and proportionality principles, while taking decisive actions to suppress threats and rebuild public confidence in the region.