BANGKOK — 9 November 2026, One suspected insurgent was killed and two firearms were seized during a security operation in Yala’s Than To district, according to the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command (ISOC Region 4).
The command said the operation was conducted from 7 to 9 November by Yala’s joint special operations unit and local security agencies to locate suspected insurgents hiding in a mountainous area near Ban Kampong Baru, a sub-village of Ban Khok Chang, in Mae Wat subdistrict, Than To district.
During a patrol, officers came under gunfire from a group of suspected insurgents, prompting them to return fire. One suspected insurgent was killed, while several others fled. All officers were reported safe.
After the exchange, authorities inspected the scene and recovered the body of the deceased, along with two firearms: an M16 assault rifle and a handgun.
The deceased was identified as Sa-udi (surname withheld), 48, a resident of Bannang Sata district, Yala. Authorities described him as an operational-level member of an insurgent group who had also served as a military tactics instructor for the group.
He was wanted under three arrest warrants in connection with security-related cases in the southern border provinces.
The first warrant, No. 198/58, dated 20 June 2015, concerned the beheading of Nikom Chapho, a Chiang Mai native, on 7 April 2013. The victim was attacked by unidentified assailants at Ban Buathong, Moo 2, Ban Hae subdistrict, Than To district, Yala.
The second warrant, No. 411/61, dated 12 September 2018, was related to an attack on a three-party security checkpoint near Krong Pinang Market in Krong Pinang district, Yala, on 3 April 2017. A large armed group reportedly used assault rifles and improvised explosive devices in the attack, injuring 12 police officers.
The third warrant, Yala Provincial Court warrant No. 284/62, dated 11 November 2019, concerned an attack on a village security protection unit outpost in Ban Thang Lum, Moo 5, Lam Phaya subdistrict, Mueang district, Yala, on 5 November 2019. The attack left 15 people dead and five others injured.
Authorities are continuing to examine the area, collect additional evidence and track down the suspects who escaped, with the aim of bringing them into the judicial process.
ISOC Region 4 said the operation was conducted within the framework of law enforcement, with respect for the rule of law and human rights, and that fairness to all parties would be ensured. It stressed that the operation was not intended to fuel conflict or escalate violence, but to protect the lives and property of the public.
The command reaffirmed that efforts to address unrest in the southern border provinces would continue to prioritise peaceful solutions alongside law enforcement. It encouraged those with differing views from the state to engage in dialogue and seek solutions through peaceful means.
It also urged all parties to refrain from violence and avoid supporting or participating in acts that threaten public safety, saying the ultimate goal was to end violence, reduce casualties, rebuild trust and achieve lasting peace in the region.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious individuals or activities that could threaten community safety through the ISOC Region 4 hotline at 1341, which operates 24 hours a day, or contact their nearest security task force.