Narathiwat: Arrest warrants are imminent for the gunman who shot a paramilitary soldier; martial law has been declared. Following the audacious attack in which gunmen killed a paramilitary soldier in Narathiwat, the army commander has ordered the highest level of security measures throughout the province, utilizing full authority under martial law to allow authorities to surround and hunt down the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the Narathiwat police chief stated that arrest warrants are nearing completion.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Prayong Kotrasakha, Commander of the Narathiwat Provincial Police, revealed that based on evidence from the crime scene and CCTV footage, there were a total of 13 perpetrators. Over 200 spent bullet casings and several bullet fragments were found at the scene and are currently being sent for forensic analysis to link them to firearms used in other incidents. Furthermore, one person involved in the purchase and sale of the vehicle used in the crime has been questioned, and their information has been helpful in identifying other accomplices. It is expected that arrest warrants for this group of perpetrators will be issued soon.
A high-ranking security source in the area informed the Thai news agency that the perpetrators belonged to a group led by Masaufi Timo, Abdullah Masae, Ismaae Chewae, and Azizun Madaae, operational leaders with a force of more than 10 people operating in the districts of Chanae, Ra-ngae, Si Sakhon, and Rueso.
The Narathiwat Task Force has recently issued an order to elevate security measures to the highest level throughout Narathiwat province, utilizing full authority under "martial law." This allows military personnel to conduct widespread cordon and search operations, make arrests, and involve civilian forces in the mission. This escalation of measures is considered a decisive measure to tighten control over the area, pressure and apprehend the perpetrators for prosecution, and provide the highest level of protection for the lives and property of the people in Narathiwat province.
Regarding the shared image of the tattoo on the perpetrator's arm, and the questions raised about whether a Muslim would have tattoos due to religious principles, Major General Winthai Suwaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, clarified that the image was created using AI. He believes it was likely fabricated by accomplices attempting to manipulate public opinion and distort the truth by intentionally altering the image's clarity to make it appear unnatural. He believes the general public can see through this manipulation and that it's a tactic used in the past, but one that no longer works. He emphasized that the public has sufficient critical thinking skills and urged all Thais to help protect security personnel and innocent civilians, preventing those with ill intentions towards the country from gaining a foothold in society.