Four Shot Dead In Thailand’s Southernmost Region

Published : May 05, 2011 :: 08:05:47 [ 803 views ]

Four Muslim villagers were shot dead and thirteen others wounded at a tea shop in Bannang Sata district of Yala province, Southernmost Thailand bordering Malaysia, police said Wednesday.

Up to five attackers, who were dressed in military clothing similar to that of government troops, arrived on a pick-up truck and opened fire at people sitting by the roadside of the tea shop on Tuesday evening.

The victims included a 16-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy, police said.

“The motive for the killing is under investigation because I cannot question witnesses because they are practicing funeral rituals,” said local police commander Colonel Suwat Wongpaiboon.

More than 4,500 people have been killed in nearly daily attacks since shadowy insurgents launched an uprising in Thailand’s southernmost region bordering Malaysia in early 2004.

The attacks have become more brazen in recent months with a string of car bombs and attacks on military bases or outposts.