A deadly ambush in southern Thailand has left a police officer injured, his wife dead, and their infant child wounded after gunmen disguised as Muslim women allegedly opened fire on the family’s vehicle in Pattani province.
The shocking attack reportedly took place on the afternoon of May 25 in Yarang district, an area frequently linked to ongoing insurgent violence in Thailand’s deep south.
According to Thai police, officers were alerted to the shooting at around 3.30pm near a school in Phong Sata. Upon arriving at the scene, authorities discovered a sedan riddled with bullet holes across the windscreen and driver’s side.
Inside the vehicle, 35-year-old Fatimoh Yango was found dead in the back seat. Her husband, 38-year-old police officer Adul Yeesulong, had reportedly suffered a gunshot wound to his leg but managed to survive the attack.
Their two-month-old baby was also injured after being struck by bullet fragments during the ambush.
Gunmen Allegedly Waited By Roadside Before Launching Attack
Initial investigations revealed that the officer had been driving with his wife and children to pick up his sons from school when the shooting occurred.
Police believe four attackers were waiting by the roadside on two motorcycles before allegedly targeting the family car.
The suspects were reportedly dressed in hijabs and women’s clothing to disguise themselves as Muslim women and conceal their identities.
Authorities said the gunmen allegedly opened fire using an AK-style rifle and a handgun as the sedan approached.
Despite being wounded, Adul reportedly continued driving for around 300 metres into the school compound before stopping the vehicle and calling for assistance.
The brazen daylight attack triggered panic in the area as security officers rushed to seal off surrounding roads.
Police Suspect Insurgent Involvement
Forensic officers later recovered multiple pieces of evidence from the scene, including spent AK cartridge casings, 9mm shell casings, and bullets believed to have been fired during the attack.
Security forces subsequently launched searches across nearby areas while checkpoints were tightened to monitor suspicious vehicles and individuals attempting to flee.
Police believe the attackers may be linked to insurgent groups operating in southern Thailand, where separatist violence has persisted for years across Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces.
Authorities also noted similarities between the ambush and a previous deadly attack on a police officer earlier this month.
According to local reports, intelligence agencies had already warned security forces about possible attacks targeting state officials in an attempt to create unrest in the region.
The latest violence has once again highlighted ongoing security concerns in Thailand’s southern provinces, where insurgent-related shootings and bomb attacks continue to claim lives despite heightened military presence and security operations.