The body of a male was found in a rubber plantation, a few kilometres from a highway. He had been shot six times.

Police found an AK-47 and communication equipment near his body.

The man was apparently shot dead during a clash on Thursday evening, according to Yaha district police chief Apirak Sangkhao. No police officers were injured in the 10-minute exchange of gunfire with suspected militants, he said.

Police found the body while inspected the area at about 6am yesterday.

They also arrested Jeha Samae, a 20-year-old worker at the plantation, on suspicion of involvement in the gunfight with police.

Police said he was carrying an M-26 grenade.

Police believe Jeha and the unnamed dead man belonged to a militant group under the leadership of Rohmulee Neataeroh, a fugitive wanted in connection with numerous violent incidents in the district. The plantation, which also is a hiding place for the group, belongs to him, said Apirak.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Narathiwat province, police briefly detained three suspects over a bomb blast on Thursday that killed five police officers and seriously injured three others who had been providing security to teachers in Rusoh district.

The three men, whose names were not disclosed, were freed after questioning, Rusoh police chief Banlue Chuwet said.