5 soldiers killed in southern Thailand checkpoint attack

Five soldiers were killed and six civilians were injured when a group of unidentified attackers opened fire and threw pipe bombs at a checkpoint in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat on Wednesday evening, local media reported.



The attack occurred at around 6:45 p.m. local time on Wednesday. Six attackers arrived in a pickup truck at the entrance of the checkpoint in Ra-ngae District, Narathiwat Province, and launched an attack using firearms and bombs, before fleeing in their vehicle.



Security authorities are hunting for the attackers. Meanwhile, the highest level of security measures have been ordered in the area, instructing all checkpoints to remain highly vigilant.



On Wednesday evening, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urged relevant agencies to fulfill their duties. The peace negotiation process in the southern border provinces would continue, he added.