Volunteer defence corps truck hit by bomb, gunfire in Narathiwat leave two dead and 16 wounded

Thai soldiers man a checkpoint in Cho Airong district in Narathiwat following attacks by militant separatists across southern Thailand with the latest on September 18, 2026 killing two volunteer defence corps members and injuring 16 others. — AFP pic

First Published: Friday, 18 Sep 2026 8:30 PM MYT

NARATHIWAT, Sept 18 — Two volunteer defence corps members were killed while 16 others were injured in a bomb explosion and gunfight in Sukhirin, Narathiwat, on Friday.

In the incident at around 3.10pm local time, a truck carrying 18 volunteer defence corps members was on its way back after undergoing boat-rowing training in Narathiwat city.

Sukhirin Police Chief Pol Col Prapoj Lormkhet said initial investigations found that an improvised bomb planted by the roadside was detonated as the truck passed the scene.

“An exchange of gunfire also took place,” he told reporters.

He added that security forces rushed to the scene and conducted an inspection to gather evidence.

All the injured were also rushed to a nearby hospital for further treatment, he said.

Prapoj said security forces have stepped up security measures at the scene and surrounding areas following current developments. — Bernama