Pattani:An assailant ambushed and fatally shot Rusli Uma, a 54-year-old volunteer defense corps member from Maikhaen District, as he was riding his motorcycle to a mosque for Friday prayers. The attack occurred on a remote, forested road in Village No. 2, Talok Kraithong Subdistrict.

According to Thai News Agency, the attackers, who were hiding in the forest, opened fire on Rusli with a .38 caliber handgun. In response, Rusli fired back with his 9mm service pistol, injuring the attackers before succumbing to his injuries. He was shot three times in the head and body and died at the scene.

Villagers who arrived after the shooting took Rusli and one injured assailant to Maikhaen Hospital. The scene was later examined by police, who found six 9mm bullet casings and an overturned green Yamaha Grand Filano motorcycle.

Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, considering whether it was related to personal matters or part of ongoing unrest in the area. They are also working to identify the surviving assailant, who remains hospitalized, and are checking for any criminal background.