Krong pinang: The chief of Krong Pinang Police Station has initiated an urgent investigation following the fatal shooting of a police officer outside a convenience store during a routine security inspection. Initial assessments suggest that a group of perpetrators, moving through the area, orchestrated the attack.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. near the intersection leading to the Krong Pinang District Office in Yala Province. Assailants of unknown number and identity ambushed police officers while they were maintaining peace and order, using an unidentified type and caliber of firearm.

Sgt. Thanathep Sikhacharn, a sergeant major in the traffic department at Krong Pinang Police Station, sustained severe injuries after being shot in the head. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries en route to Krongpinang Hospital.

Preliminary investigations reveal that Sgt. Thanathep, along with another officer, had just completed a routine inspection inside the convenience store. As they exited, unknown assailants, believed to be positioned opposite the scene, opened fire, resulting in Sgt. Thanathep’s fatal injury.

Today, Pol. Col. Tophan Pusanthia, Superintendent of Krong Pinang Police Station, will lead a team, including bomb disposal experts and forensic officers from Forensic Science Center 10, to the crime scene to gather evidence. An expedited investigation has been ordered to locate the ambush site and apprehend those responsible.

Authorities currently suspect that the attack was perpetrated by a group intent on creating unrest in the Krong Pinang District, Yala Province.