Padi: An auxiliary policeman and member of the 9th Volunteer Defense Corps, Urupong Kamol, has died following an ambush in the Padi district. Security forces have identified the group responsible as "Toyeb Tharong." The attack occurred on the Paluru-Suai Padi road, where Kamol, 35, was seriously wounded by assailants using automatic weapons. Despite the intervention of nearby military rangers, the attackers retreated only to return and shoot Kamol again at close range.
According to Thai News Agency, Kamol suffered a gunshot wound to the torso with a military-grade bullet. He was transferred to Suai Go-lok Hospital but succumbed to his injuries due to vital organ damage and massive blood loss. The news of his passing has left his family and colleagues in deep sorrow.
A funeral ceremony for Kamol is scheduled for today at Wat Khok Ta in the Paluru Subdistrict of Suai Padi District, Narathiwat Province. The ceremony is set to begin at 3:00 PM with the bathing of the body, followed by a royal bathing ceremony at 4:00 PM. A wreath-laying ceremony will occur at 5:00 PM, and the presentation of a royal gift basket will follow at 5:30 PM.
Progress in the investigation points to the involvement of a violent extremist group led by Tayeb Tharong. Evidence collected at the scene, including shell casings from M.16, AK, and shotgun firearms, supports this suspicion. The group, known for targeting government officials and public personnel, operates extensively in the Suai Padi district and surrounding areas.
In response, military, civilian, and police forces have intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators. Forensic teams are conducting thorough searches of the target area and monitoring potential escape routes through the tall grass. Authorities remain determined to bring those responsible to justice.