Three Yala security personnel lost their lives, and another was wounded in a deadly incident.
A Shocking Day in Yala:
In a chilling series of events on Monday, April 29, 2025, the peaceful town of Yala in southern Thailand was marred by two violent attacks.
Turning a Simple Grocery Run DeadlyThe day began with a senseless act, killing a 34-year-old defense volunteer, Thirawut Puttharat. As he stepped out of his car for a quick visit to a local store, unidentified gunmen ruthlessly opened fire. The attack took place in Tambon Taling Chan, Bannang Sata district, 300 meters from his security unit. Tragically, he lost his life on the spot. His vehicle was then torched[1][2].
A Fatal Ambush on the RoadLater in the morning, a second attack rocked the Than To district. An armored police vehicle, carrying three border patrol police officers, was targeted by a roadside bomb. The officers - Pol Senior Sgt Major Issaret Intharapet, Pol Cpl Monpithak Phetnui, and Pol Cpl Phanuwat Wetpasarn - were severely injured in the explosion. The devastating blast forced their vehicle off the road and left wreckage in its wake[1][2]. Regrettably, Pol Senior Sgt Major Issaret and Pol Cpl Monpithak succumbed to their horrific injuries.
The attacks are believed to have been carried out by suspected Muslim insurgents, who have long been a source of unrest and security challenges in the region[2].
Faced with this onslaught, the Thai government was prompted to reconsider plans for lifting martial law in the southern provinces. There is now a call for more proactive security measures, with an emphasis on improved coordination between military and police units[3][5]. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has given security forces a seven-day deadline to submit a comprehensive report on their strategies to combat the violence.
The government is also considering engaging with "real leaders" of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), a major separatist group. However, this violence-control criterion is a prerequisite for any dialogue[3]. This move suggests a shift towards diplomatic dialogue with key figures within insurgent groups, alongside increased security measures.
- The gunmen who attacked Thirawut Puttharat, the 34-year-old defense volunteer, remain unidentified.
- The gunmen's senseless act took place in Tambon Taling Chan, Bannang Sata district, in close proximity to Thirawut's security unit.
- The gunmen's attack on the border patrol police officers in the Than To district was carried out by a roadside bomb.
- The Thai government is reconsidering plans for lifting martial law in the southern provinces in light of the recent violence, with a focus on improved coordination between military and police units.
