NARATHIWAT: Two police officers were killed while four others were injured in an exchange of gunfire with a man during an operation to combat drug trafficking in Tak Bai, Narathiwat, southern Thailand, on Sunday (Aug 2).
Tak Bai Police Chief Col Pakkawat Wansanuk said police officers conducted the operation in the area after receiving intelligence on drug trafficking activities.
He said a man suddenly opened fire at the officers while they were carrying out the operation at 11.48am local time.
"An exchange of gunfire took place between the police officers and the man.
"Two police officers who were shot in the chest and head were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others were injured,” he told reporters.
He said initial investigations found that the suspect fled towards an oil palm plantation shortly after opening fire.
"Police have cordoned off the village area to search for the suspect, who is believed to be still hiding in a nearby plantation,” he said.
Pakkawat said the injured police officers were receiving treatment at Tak Bai Hospital. — Bernama
