Probe into latest deadly Narathiwat attack focuses on motorcycle scouts

Investigation into the fatal attack on a security checkpoint in Narathiwat's Ra-ngae district is focusing on motorcyclists suspected of monitoring security personnel's movements and guiding the six assailants before they opened fire and hurled pipe bombs, killing five paramilitary rangers.

Security officials said the motorcycles were used as lead and escort vehicles to scout the area, monitor activity around the Buketa Sami checkpoint in Tan Yong Mat subdistrict, and relay information to the attackers before the assault.

The motorcyclists are now under close surveillance as investigators work to identify those involved and trace their movements before and after the attack.

CCTV footage appeared to show two motorcyclists opening fire to prevent others from reaching the scene of the attack.

Investigators have also recovered the pickup truck used in the assault after it was found burned out in Si Sakhon district of Narathiwat province, apparently in an attempt to destroy evidence.

Forensic officers are examining the vehicle and collecting evidence from both the attack scene and the site where it was abandoned.

Narathiwat Governor Boonchuay Homyamyen visited the checkpoint with senior police, military and provincial officials to assess the situation and review security measures.

After an emergency meeting with security agencies, the governor instructed police, military and civil authorities to strengthen intelligence sharing and improve operational coordination. He also ordered tighter security at checkpoints and government facilities to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence.

The governor urged security personnel to remain vigilant while carrying out their duties and instructed relevant agencies to ensure that the families of those killed and those injured receive full assistance and compensation.

Security forces continue to pursue the suspects while reinforcing security measures across the province, the governor said.

He also urged the public to report any suspicious activity through the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 hotline.

Meanwhile, in a separate update on Tuesday's car bomb attack outside the old Tan Yong police station in Narathiwat, Colonel Ekwarit Chobchupol, deputy spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command, said the attackers used two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) concealed inside 4-kilogram and 15-kilogram gas cylinders, which were detonated by remote control.

Forensic examinations identified the vehicle used in the attack as a grey Mitsubishi Lancer fitted with false licence plates copied from a Nissan Sunny.

CCTV footage showed the car passing through the Phraiwan checkpoint at 6.47pm, shortly before the explosion.

The deputy spokesman said the method used in the car bomb attack was not new to the southern border region.

The tactic of parking a vehicle near the target, turning off the engine and allowing it to roll towards the target before detonating the explosives has been used previously.

A similar car bombing occurred in Tak Bai district of Narathiwat province in August 2025.