Pattani: The Excise Department branch office in Mayo has been closed after being shot at by unknown assailants. The Pattani Excise Department's Mayo branch office is facing a temporary closure after an alarming incident where gunmen fired 16 shots, resulting in injuries to two individuals.
According to Thai News Agency, the attack occurred when police officers from the Investigation Division 2 of the Southern Border Provinces Investigation Bureau brought a tobacco-related suspect to the Pattani Area Excise Office, Mayo Branch, situated at 127/3 Moo 5, Langga Subdistrict, Mayo District, Pattani Province. During the suspect's handling by the police, two assailants, disguised as Muslim women, fired a rifle at approximately 11:24 AM, causing significant damage. Bullets pierced the windows and walls of the office building.
Dr. Pornchai Theeravech, Director-General of the Excise Department, promptly addressed the situation by sending Mr. Jeeranun Jaihao, Director of the Excise Office Region 9, to the scene for immediate action. The attack resulted in two injuries: Mrs. Nurhayati Samae, who was hospitalized at Mayo Hospital, and Miss Jiraporn Saenkamnueng, an Excise Officer, who suffered injuries from glass shards. Property damage included 16 impacts on the office building's glass and walls and a motorcycle with a damaged taillight.
Given the incident's severity, the decision was made to temporarily close the office due to safety concerns for staff and the public. The Ministry of Finance and the Excise Department have prioritized the safety of individuals and property, leading to the temporary closure of the Pattani Area Excise Office, Mayo Branch. Services remain available through the Pattani Area Excise Office located at 10 Sarit Road, Sabarang Subdistrict, Mueang Pattani District, with contact numbers provided for public assistance.