5 Thai soldiers killed in deadly militant attack in insurgency-hit south

Five Thai soldiers were killed and six civilians injured after suspected militants attacked a security checkpoint in Thailand’s insurgency-hit southern province of Narathiwat, marking one of the deadliest assaults in the region in recent years.

According to the Thai army, members of Task Force Ranger Regiment 45 came under heavy gunfire and pipe bomb attacks while guarding the Bukeh Sami checkpoint on Wednesday evening to protect local residents.

Local authorities said six civilians were also wounded in the assault. No group has claimed responsibility so far, and no arrests have been made.

Thailand’s three southernmost Muslim-majority provinces—Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala—have been plagued by a separatist insurgency since 2004. The long-running conflict has claimed more than 7,000 lives, with security forces frequently targeted by rebel groups seeking greater regional autonomy.

Paying tribute to the fallen soldiers, the Thai army said their “service and sacrifice will be remembered and honored with the highest respect.”