Chanae: An assistant village headman in Chanae, Narathiwat, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when the assailant's gun malfunctioned.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Ahmad Dao, Deputy Investigating Officer of Chanae Police Station, received a report of a shooting incident at 9:30 PM on June 20, 2069. The incident occurred in front of a noodle shop next to house number 157, Moo 7, Chanae Subdistrict. Police and military personnel, led by Pol. Col. Weerasak Persalae, Superintendent of Chanae Police Station, and Mr. Aphinan Chachitta, District Chief of Chanae, promptly arrived at the scene to investigate.

The investigation revealed that Mr. Danniya Kuete, 48, the assistant village headman of Tukko, was targeted by two assailants on a motorcycle. After finishing his prayers, Mr. Danniya was conversing with a friend when the attackers approached. One of the assailants fired an M16 rifle at him, but the bullet missed and struck his parked car, shattering its windows. Mr. Danniya managed to dodge the bullet and fled towards the back of the house.

As Mr. Danniya stumbled while fleeing, the assailant attempted to shoot him again, but the firearm malfunctioned, allowing Mr. Danniya to escape unharmed. The attackers then fired two more shots before fleeing the scene on their motorcycle.

Authorities, including officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and forensic officers, arrived the following morning to collect evidence for further investigation. Pol. Col. Weerasak suggested the attack may have been orchestrated by a violent extremist group targeting government officials. Despite serving as an assistant village headman for nearly 20 years, Mr. Danniya stated he had no known enemies and maintained good relations with the local community.