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Policeman slain in southern Thailand

The son of a police officer slain in a shooting incident in Thailand's restive Narathiwat Province cries outside a mortuary yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

Police blamed Islamic insurgents for the killing of a Muslim policeman at a crowded outdoor market and the torching of several government offices and schools in restive southern Thailand yesterday.

The policeman, Suriya Malaimal, was walking toward his motorcycle, parked at a market in Narathiwat's Rue So district, when at least six gunmen approached him and shot him at point-blank range more than 10 times, police Lieutenant Banlae Chuvet said.

Shoppers fled in panic as the shots were fired and the attackers, who stole the victim's gun, disappeared in a van and on motorcycles, Banlae said, adding that Suriya was in uniform and did not draw his gun.

"Initial investigations show he was killed by Muslim insurgents," Banlae said, adding that the attack in the market was meant to cause fear and panic.

Also yesterday, in neighboring Pattani province, arsonists torched two government schools and three government offices including two health clinics in Sai Buri district, police Lieutenant Kumron Yodrak said.

Kumron blamed Muslim insurgents for the arson attacks.
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