Two shot dead in Yala province

>> Two villagers were shot dead and another sustained severe injuries in a shooting in Yala’s Krong Pinang district, believed to be the result of a personal conflict.

The incident, which occurred late on Friday night at the victims’ house in Ban Batu Buela, added another violent scene to the insurgency-prone province, but investigators suspect the attackers’ motive might have been related to a conflict over the drug trade as one of the victims was once arrested on a drug offence charge, according to the police’s initial investigation.

Police are checking the criminal background of Phaochi Womaeng, 35, who was killed instantly, probably as a result of a personal conflict, officers said.

Phaochi and a 32-year-old woman, identified later as Kariya Lalam, were standing in front of the house when unidentified gunmen, believed to be hiding opposite the house, opened fire on them, police said.

Ms Kariya, who was seriously wounded, is being treated in a hospital.

According to the investigation, the gunfire caused a woman, Sitibido Side, 55, to come out of the house. An attacker gunned down the woman.

Police investigators led by Pol Lt Col Chi r as akWi kr ai char o en ying, deputy chief of Krong Pinang police station, yesterday inspected the house, which is also used as a grocery. The officials could not find spent bullets during their search of the house.

They were also unable to identify the types of guns used in the attack.

However, investigators have gathered other items they can use as evidence and are questioning other members of Phaochi’s family.