A police officer was shot dead by southern insurgents in broad daylight today (Saturday), as he was helping two railway officials to direct traffic near a railway crossing in Khok Pho district of Pattani province.

The victim was identified as Pol Lance Corporal Phichak Buakaew, a squad commander of the Pattani special force.

According to the Thai Special Forces web page, four insurgents, riding two motorcycles, approached Phichak, fired several shots into him from pistols before stealing his M16 assault rifle and a 9mm handgun and escaping.

The shooting took place at about noon, near a police kiosk in Na Pradu sub-district, in front of several passers-by and motorists.