Thailand police officer killed in Narathiwat clash with insurgents

A police officer was killed and two paramilitary rangers were wounded during a gunfire clash with suspected insurgents in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat on Saturday, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. local time when a joint team of police and military personnel attempted to search a suspected house in Ban Tue Ngor village, Si Sakhon district, according to Thai PBS World. The slain officer was identified as Police Sergeant Samroj Nodnual, 51, a squad leader at Srisakhon Police Station. Two volunteer rangers were injured in the exchange and were later transferred to Narathiwat Rajanagarindra Hospital for treatment.

The Royal Thai Police confirmed that the operation was part of a law enforcement action targeting a residential property linked to suspected insurgents. National Police Chief Pol Gen Samran Nuamma expressed condolences to the officer's family and ordered Provincial Police Region 9 to provide full welfare benefits and arrange a dignified funeral.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the affected area in Si Sakhon while security operations continue.