One killed in violence in Thailand's restive South

One defense volunteer has been killed in Thailand's Muslim-dominated deep South, falling into the latest victim amid the non-stop violence in the region, local press reported Tuesday.

Wisaun Kaewthawon and Huankij Chuasanit, two defense volunteers having part-time jobs as school drivers, were ambushed in a roadside attack in the southern Pattani province as they were driving a small truck to pick students and teachers Monday.

Hit by gun shots from a motorcyclist behind, Wisanu sustained injury in the chest and Huankij in the head. Both of them were sent to a local hospital, where Wisanu died later.

Police said the gunman opened fire with six rounds from a 9mm pistol.

To put the southern situation under control, Thai government issued an emergency decree in July replacing the martial law which was previously in place.

After two months of enforcement, 27 people have been detained for questioning. Among them, six have been found guilty, nine were released and 12 remain in police custody, Lt-General Kwanchart Klahan, director of the Southern Border Provinces Peace-building Command (SBPPC), was quoted by The Nation as saying.

Since the decree has been implemented, 77 suspected militants had turned themselves in. They were sent to a week-long re- education camp in Songkhla, said Kwanchart.

Source: Xinhua