SRI SAKHON, THAILAND — A senior police officer was killed and two paramilitary ranger volunteers were wounded on Saturday morning, October 17, 2026 during an intense firefight with suspected insurgents in Sri Sakhon district, Narathiwat province.
The clash occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. when a joint security force conducted a security operation in Tue-ngo Village (Moo 3), located in tambon Sri Banphot. As security personnel moved to secure the area, suspected insurgents opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Authorities identified the fallen officer as Pol. Snr. Sgt. Saroj Lomuan (also identified as Saroj Hodnuan), 51, a squad leader attached to the Sri Sakhon Police Station.
The two injured paramilitary personnel were identified as Volunteer Ranger PichetBansri, 34, who suffered head and back injuries, and Volunteer Ranger KiattisakManeechan, 35, who sustained injuries to his waist and back. Both injured rangers received initial emergency care at Si Sakhon Hospital before being transferred to NaradhiwasRajanagarindra Hospital for specialized medical supervision.
Security personnel inspecting the battleground reported that three suspected insurgents were killed during the shootout. Officers recovered two M16 assault rifles and ammunition from the scene.
Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command (ISOC 4) and local law enforcement cordoned off the area around Ban Tue-ngo village as reinforcement units deployed to hunt for any remaining armed suspects. Authorities warned residents to avoid travel along nearby routes while forensic teams examine the site and gather physical evidence.
Regional officials expressed deep condolences to the officer's family and confirmed that state assistance and official honors will be provided to the slain police sergeant and injured rangers.
Security commanders reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and stability across Thailand's southern border provinces, emphasizing those counter-insurgency operations will continue alongside community engagement efforts to address deep-rooted regional conflicts and prevent further violence.
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