Yala: A brave soldier was shot and killed during an ambush by gunmen while on patrol in the Ban Wang Hin area, Bannang Sata sub-district, Bannang Sata district, Yala province, resulting in the loss of one life. At 1:45 p.m. on June 17, soldiers of the 1st Infantry Company were patrolling to maintain security in Village 8, Wang Hin Village, when they were ambushed by unknown assailants using an unidentified firearm.
According to Thai News Agency, Private First Class Phakhom Sueden, a machine gunner from the 3rd Rifle Platoon, 1st Infantry Company, Special Operations Unit, 1st Infantry Battalion, was injured during the attack. Despite efforts to rush him to Bannang Sata Hospital, he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries en route. The assailants, familiar with the area, managed to escape quickly after the attack.
The incident has been linked to a series of sniper attacks previously executed successfully, posing challenges in planning patrol operations. This area is reportedly under the influence of Abdullah Tapoto, a known leader operating in Bannang Sata district.
Later that evening, a ceremony was held at Sala Phin Prasert, Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command, Sirindhorn Camp, Pattani Province. Lieutenant General Paisal Nusang, Commander of the 4th Army Region, presided over the ceremony to honor and send off the body of Private First Class Phakhom Sudden. The event was attended by Major General Chalermchai Sutthinuan, Colonel Sittisak Chanbanjong, and other military officers, who expressed their condolences.
Private First Class Pakom Sueden's body will be taken by his relatives for Islamic religious rites at the Bang Malao Mosque in Sakoo Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province.