An Imam was shot dead on Tuesday night in front of his house, in Mueang district Yala province, when he was ambushed by insurgents.
Police said that the victim, 54-year-old Phu-at Rasaeming, used to be a police officer attached to Lam Mai police station, but quit the service to become an Imam at Muhayeerin mosque in Ban Nam Yen village of Lam Mai sub-district.
According to an initial police report, Phu-at went to the mosque last night to perform his religious duties. After that, he rode his motorcycle to his home, about 200m away.
Upon arrival, three gunmen emerged from darkness and opened fire at him with an automatic rifle and a shotgun, killing him on the spot.
Police said that the motive for the killing remains under investigation, as does the hunt for the perpetrators.
