Incident-marred Hari Raya in southern Thailand

Hari Raya celebrations in southern Thailand were marred by a number of violent incidents today, leaving at least six dead and eight injured.

In Narathiwat, a solider and three separatists were killed in a clash.

The incident occurred about 11am when separatists attacked a policeman who was on the way home to celebrate Hari Raya with his family in Rusok district, according to Police Lieutenant General Suchat Tirasawat.

Suchat, who is also deputy chief police officer for the southern district said soldiers staying nearby came to the aid of the policeman who was shot and wounded.

This resulted in a fierce firefight which lasted for about 30 minutes.

"A soldier who was seriously wounded in the clash died at the Rusok Hospital, while the injured policeman who was admitted to the same hospital, was transferred to the Yala Hospital.

"Three of the separatists from a group known as Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK), were shot and killed at the scene of the incident," added Suchat.

Meanwhile in Takbai - also located in the Narathiwat district - assistant village head, Mat-useng Haji Abubakar, 37, died at the Takbai Hospital after he was shot in front of his house.

About 9 last night, after the announcement that today would be Hari Raya, a wayside bomb exploded at Kampung Kadunong in Saiburi district, Pattani.

The bomb was activated as rangers were on foot patrol in the area.

Suchat said a five-year-old child was killed and two rangers, as well as five civilians, injured.