16-8-2023 (BANGKOK) Pattani, a restive province in southern Thailand, bore witness to a dramatic confrontation on Wednesday that culminated in the demise of two insurgents wanted for their involvement in a series of violent attacks across the region. The skirmishes unfolded in Nong Chik district and marked a significant development in the ongoing efforts to curb insurgency-related violence in the troubled southern border provinces.
Over 50 paramilitary rangers were swiftly mobilized to Koh Moh Kaeng village in tambon Tha Kamcham after receiving a tip-off from local residents about suspected insurgents hiding in a residential property. The operation, which commenced around 4am, aimed to apprehend the wanted individuals responsible for a slew of violent attacks in the region.
As the security officers surrounded the house, a tense standoff ensued. Suspected insurgents within the premises attempted to escape through a window, seeking refuge in a nearby rubber plantation. In an attempt to evade capture, the men resorted to opening fire, prompting the paramilitary rangers to retaliate.
Amidst the exchange of gunfire, one of the armed individuals was tragically shot dead. The deceased was identified as Wae-useng Dueraheng, a 33-year-old resident of Nong Chik district. Authorities confirmed that Wae-useng was implicated in a string of criminal activities, including the killing of two paramilitary rangers in Nong Chik district on September 11, 2018, and a series of other violent incidents.
However, the operations did not conclude with this confrontation. The security officers continued their efforts to resolve the situation peacefully. They reached out to local community leaders for assistance in persuading the remaining occupants of the house to surrender.
One individual, Kosem Muneemusee, emerged from the property along with three family members. Kosem provided information to the officers, revealing that he and his family had unwittingly shared the residence with the suspects. He recounted encountering the strangers two days prior and allowing them to stay without much inquiry. The sudden encirclement of their dwelling by security forces prompted Kosem and his family to flee.
Despite these developments, one suspect remained elusive and holed up within the house. As the hours passed, negotiations ensued in an attempt to bring about a peaceful resolution. However, the individual inside did not respond.
In an effort to locate the suspect, a thorough search of the property was conducted. It was during this search that a modified area at the back of the house was identified. Upon investigation, security officers discovered a concealed room accessed through a makeshift wooden door. The concealed suspect, identified as Roki Sidae, 32, opened fire as the officers uncovered his hiding place.
A tense and deadly standoff unfolded as the officers returned fire and repeatedly urged Roki to surrender. Despite their efforts, the individual continued to resist, firing multiple shots. After an intense one-hour clash, Roki was fatally shot.
The deceased suspect, Roki Sidae, was revealed to be wanted for his involvement in several serious incidents. These include an arson attack on a convenience store at a PTT station in Nong Chik on November 2, 2016, a bomb attack on the Nong Chik police station on January 18, 2019, and a bomb attack on a Bangchak petrol station in Nong Chik on August 17, 2022.
The fierce clashes and subsequent fatalities underline the challenges that persist in the southern border provinces of Thailand. Since January 2004, these areas, including Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, have grappled with sectarian armed conflict. The violence has resulted in over 7,000 casualties, with civilians bearing the brunt of the impact.
