One of the five suspected Sakuree Japakeeya had seven outstanding arrest warrants including for the ambush shooting of passengers in a public van which killed eight people in 2007. The leading RKK member was also allegedly involved in attacking a police station in Yala's Yaha district in 2006 and bombing paramilitary rangers in 2008.
A combined force of police, soldiers and government workers raided a village in Krongpinang district believed to be hiding 14
The raid was led by Yala provincial police commander Pol Maj Gen Peera Boonliang in response to reports that Mr Sakuree and accomplices were to meet and plan an attack. Gen Peera said an M-16 assault rifle, a shotgun, .38 caliber pistol, 80 cartridges and five mobile telephones were seized at the site.
He said an investigation is underway to determine whether or not Mr Sakuree involved with the bombing which killed Pol Col Sompian Eksomya, Bannang Sata police chief widely honored for his dedicated service in southern Thailand.
Paramilitary ranger wounded in ambush
One paramilitary ranger was injured in a bombing, followed by shooting by presumed terrorists insurgents in Narathiwat province on Friday. The provincial ranger, Piyapong Leena, 27, was injured by shrapnel in the stomach and leg.
The bomb was detonated as a five man patrol passed near the provincial waterworks building. After the blast, a number of men armed with AK 47 assault rifles attacked the soldiers and then fled after a few minutes.
In another incident in Yala province, five presumed