Narathiwat: Funeral rites are being held for Private Wuttipong, who sacrificed his life in a fierce clash. A funeral was held for Private Wutthipong, who was shot by a group of insurgents while on duty, amidst a somber atmosphere. Meanwhile, two suspects have been detained for questioning, and authorities are urgently searching for the leader of the insurgent group.
According to Thai News Agency, the atmosphere at the funeral of volunteer ranger Wuttipong Chumchua, a soldier who sacrificed his life after being shot by a group of insurgents while on duty in Ja Nae District, Narathiwat Province, was filled with sorrow. Major General Korakod Phuchot, Deputy Director of Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward, presided over the funeral ceremony at the multipurpose hall of Wat Bang Nara, Bang Nak Subdistrict, Mueang District, Narathiwat Province. In attendance were Police Lieutenant General Piyawat Chalermsri, Commander of Provincial Police Region 9, Mr. Boonchuey Homyamyen, Governor of Narathiwat Province, commanders, fellow soldiers, police officers, and local government officials, all paying their respects to the fallen hero.
The Governor of Narathiwat Province laid wreaths on behalf of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport. Meanwhile, Major General Korakod Phuchot laid wreaths on behalf of Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence; General Phana Klaewplodthuk, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army; and Lieutenant General Norathip Poynok, Commander of the 4th Army Area, respectively.
In addition, the presiding officer presented the Bang Rachan Medal, a certificate of commendation for merit and sacrifice, as well as initial funeral assistance and compensation from various agencies, totaling over 535,000 baht, to comfort and support the family of the fallen soldier. The body of Private Wutthipong was then transported to his hometown, Wat Yothong, Nayong District, Trang Province, for traditional funeral rites.
As a result of the incident, one officer, Sergeant Major Taweekiat Yawila, was injured by a bullet that entered his bulletproof vest near his left chest. He is experiencing chest tightness but is currently stable and receiving treatment at Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Hospital.
Regarding the progress of the case, crucial clues were found from questioning individuals inside the house, identifying the suspect hiding and opening fire on officers as Yamaluddin Hawebuesa, a key operational leader of the violent insurgency with four outstanding arrest warrants. He took advantage of the chaos, firing shots to clear a path and escape. After the gunfire ceased, officers coordinated with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and forensic officers (Forensic Science Division 10) to conduct a thorough examination of the area. They found several important pieces of evidence, including cigarette butts, bullet fragments, and over 11 5.56 mm shell casings, as well as a bag found in the bedroom.
Today, a joint force of officials surrounded and cleared the surrounding rubber plantations and dense forests in search of Mr. Yamaluddin, but he has not yet been found. Using authority under martial law, two suspects were taken into custody: Mr. Sayuki Awae, the homeowner, and Mr. Supian Sulong, his son-in-law, believed to be involved in providing shelter to the violent insurgents. They were brought to the interrogation center of the 46th Ranger Regiment in Ban Khai, Kalawuo Nuea Subdistrict, Mueang District, Narathiwat Province for questioning to gather clues and apprehend the perpetrators for prosecution.