PATTANI — A ranger was shot dead by suspected insurgents at his wedding party in front of his bride on Thursday evening in Muang district.
Pol Lt Gen Anthee Koraree, deputy chief of Muang Pattani police station, said the shooting occurred at a house in Ban Talubo of Pagakarang sub-district when 27-year-old groom Arhamad Da-o, who was a member of Pattani Task Force 43, was standing by his 25-year-old bride Elanee Manor to welcome guests.
Four gunmen on two motorcycles arrived at the wedding and one of them walked to Arhamad and fired seven shots at him from an unknown weapon. The three other gunmen drew their guns and threatened the guests, telling them not to move. But the shooting caused panic and prompted the guests to flee and duck for cover. The gunmen then fled.
The ranger was shot in the head, left shoulder, neck and torso. Arhamad succumbed to the wounds while being taken to Pattani hospital.
The bride was reportedly in a distraught state and still frightened as she gave details of the attack to the police.
Police blamed southern insurgents for the shooting, given that the groom was a ranger.