Four attackers on two motorbikes fired about 10 rounds from an AK-47 into a truck loaded with more than 10 workers who were on their way to a project site in Pattani's Yaring district. The incident took place at about 8.30am when the truck was only half a kilometre from its destination.

Kodeh Nibong, 56, was hit in the right eye and died instantly while Rayoh Jehwae, 46, was hit in the left arm.

Police believed the attack was connected to the violence which has rocked the deep South since the beginning of 2004 and claimed more than 1,300 lives.

Pattani governor Panu Uthairat said the attack yesterday was a knee-jerk reaction of militant groups in the area following strong pressure from the authorities.

In neighbouring Yala pro-vince's Than To district, a roadside explosion damaged a passenger van that was travelling from the district to downtown Yala.

The van's windows were broken but the driver, Jeh-ari Kachi, was not hurt.

Meanwhile police in Narathiwat arrested three suspects in two separate locations of Rusoh and Rangae districts in connection with an ambush that killed four rangers in Yala's Raman district two months ago.

Police did not give the name or identity of the suspect nabbed in Rusoh but said he was arrested and sent for interrogation at an Army camp in Pattani in accordance with the Emergency Law.

The two others were identified as Jehsumae Longpoh, 48, and his son Masukipli Longpoh, 24. They were also sent to the camp for interrogation.