Gunfight in deep South continues unabated

In Tambon Tanyong Limo in Narathiwat's Rangae district, a gunman using AK-47 opened fire on a pick up truck, killing the driver and inflicting serious injuries to his wife who was sitting on the passenger side.

The victim was identified as Nukifri Karim, 36, who died at the hospital. His wife, Sulainah, 29, suffered two bullet wounds to her shoulder blade. The third passenger, a neighbour, was unharmed. The gunman, using AK-47, was situated about 300 meters away from the victim's residence.

Separately, in Yala's Rahman district, a gunman drove in a pickup truck shot dead Muhammed Saisu-sareh, 30, as he and about ten other villagers were observing the floodwater. Two other villagers suffered bullet wounds but were not in critical condition.

Meanwhile, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported one police officer killed and his colleague wounded after a bief exchange of gunfire with suspected insurgents in Narathiwat.

The slain police officer was identified as Pol Senior Sergeant-Major Thanat Kuhamook, 51, while the other injured officer was Pol Corporal Uthai Suwannarat, 29.

The two were part of a unit conducting a raid on a local villager after being tipped off that insurgents were taking refuge there.

 TNA said hail of gunfire, AK-47 and M16 automatic rifles from both sides, was fired as the police prepared to break into the house and that the exchange lasting for about 10 minutes.

Insurgents retreated to a nearby wooded area before reinforcement arrived to the scene.

In Pattani's Kapor district, a gunman drove up from behind and fired several shots at the kaman of Tambon Kraburi, Mukta Tipong, 44, as he was driving in his pickup truck after inspecting a construction site at a nearby school.

Muka was rushed to a nearby hospital and survived the attack. 

Police said one of the rounds fired at him hit the handle of his pistol but the vehicle door on the driver's side was riddled with bullets.