Residents in Narathiwat urged not to leave home

Army Region 4 Commander Lt Gen Udomchai Thammasaroratoi said they should not leave home between 6am today until 6am tomorrow as authorities were pursuing escaped insurgents in the areas.

The areas are Balukar Samak, Gajah Mati, Bachok and Bereh in Narathiwat; and Saithong and Donsai in Pattani because the six areas are located near the naval camp, although they are in two provinces.

"This is not a curfew order. We just want to seek cooperation from residents to not leave their homes during the period unless they have very important and urgent matters to attend.

"We fear public safety as some escapees are still at large," he said.

Seventeen insurgents were killed in a fierce gun battle when they walked into a military trap while ambushing the naval camp in Kampung Jelor, Bachok, Narathiwat, at 1am, today.

Authorities discovered the insurgent's plan to ambush the camp in advance and were well prepared to foil the attack carried out by about 80 insurgents.

Deputy Prime Minister Charlem Yubamrung said some of the injured insurgents managed to escape. "The death toll could be more as authorities have yet to clear the whole incident area," he said.

He confirmed that there was no casualty on the military side during the exchange of fire.