[Benar News] Four people including at least two civilians were killed in separate shootings within a 24-hour span in southern Thailand. Those killings bring to 16 the number of people killed across the region in shootings and bombings by militants since February 10, when Thai security forces raided an insurgent hideout in Pattani province. Thirty-one other people were wounded in 14 bombings and 18 shootings since then.The recent outburst of violence takes place after a period of relative calm and while the Thai government has been negotiating with southern militants to persuade them to reopen peace talks for the first time since 2013. Last year, the level of rebel violence in the region hit a record low since 2004.
Last month's raid seems to have triggered a series of retaliatory attacks, a security source said. He said, "Since February 10, there have been shootings more often. They seem like a vendetta."
The violence began Wednesday night with the slaying of a paramilitary officer in Yala province, and culminated with three more fatal shootings the next day in Yala and neighboring Pattani. Two of the victims were gunned down and set on fire.
One of the two was killed and his body burned at around dawn on Thursday as he rode his motorcycle in Yala province. Lt. Capt. Pol. Prachaya Hedhark, "Chatchai was shot dead with a handgun while riding a motorcycle on the way to work in a rubber plantation."
Later Thursday, police in Yala’s Muang district found the body of Arnus Muso, an intelligence officer. Police suspect insurgents killed him on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, electrician was shot while working on a utility pole Thursday afternoon in Pattani. And at dusk, a retired policeman was gunned down and burned while riding his bike.