Suai padi: A former auxiliary police officer who had become a candidate for village headman was seriously injured after being shot with a rifle equipped with a scope in Suai Padi.
According to Thai News Agency, the shooting occurred at 9:45 PM on June 12, 2069, when Pol. Lt. Chulakiplee Tuanmina, Deputy Investigating Officer of Su-ngai Padi Police Station in Narathiwat Province, received a report of the incident at house number 1092, Ban Pholong, Moo 5, Toedeng Subdistrict. He, along with Pol. Col. Tarmeesee Jadee, Superintendent of Su-ngai Padi Police Station, and a group of rangers from the 4813 Ranger Company, proceeded to the scene to investigate.
Upon arrival, they found a large number of villagers gathered in front of the house. Authorities secured the area before conducting their investigation inside, where a pool of blood was discovered in the living room. The victim, 28-year-old Ruslam Yakariya, a former volunteer territorial defense member from the Riko Subdistrict Protection Unit, had sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his back, with the bullet exiting through his chest. He was transported to Suai Padi Hospital by villagers and relatives, and after initial treatment, he was moved to Suai Kolok Hospital where his condition is reported as stable.
Mr. Sukri Yakariya, the victim's father and former village headman of Pholong, shared that nearby villagers reported seeing a suspect hiding under a coconut tree in the darkness. The tree was surrounded by termite mounds and banana trees, providing cover for the assailant. A single gunshot was heard, followed by the suspect fleeing the scene. Authorities later inspected the area but did not find any spent bullet casings due to the dense vegetation.
The next morning, Mr. Sukri received support from villagers who visited to check on Mr. Ruslam's condition and offer condolences. He recounted that he had been preparing campaign materials for his son, who was running for village headman to replace him. While setting up the banners, Mr. Ruslam went inside to shower. As he exited, gunshots rang out, and he informed his father that he had been shot. Mr. Sukri quickly called for help to transport his son to the hospital.
Prior to his candidacy, Mr. Ruslam served as a volunteer defense corps member for eight years, initially in the Toedeng sub-district before transferring to Riko sub-district. He resigned to pursue the position of village headman in Pholong. Mr. Sukri confirmed that his son had no known conflicts that could have led to the shooting.
Authorities suspect the assailant used the cover of darkness and a military-grade firearm with a scope to target Mr. Ruslam, possibly due to his candidacy in the upcoming June 23rd election. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the motive behind the attack.