A suspected insurgent, who is the subject of four arrest warrants for alleged complicity in violent incidents in the restive deep South, was apprehended by Thai security forces in Thepa district of the southern province of Songkhla on Thursday.

The suspect was identified as Ismael Morsu, 35, a resident of Thepa district.

According to an army report Morsu, wearing a crash helmet covering his face, was riding a motorcycle to Kok Po district of Pattani from his home in Thepa district. Upon seeing an army checkpoint, Morsu immediately turned around, raising the suspicions of Lt Chakkarach Petsud who gave chase in a pickup truck.

The troops managed to stop Morsu in Ban Tapaed village and took him into custody for an identification check and questioning.

The troops discovered that the suspect was a wanted felon being sought for alleged involvement in the car bomb attack at a Big C department store in Pattani province on May 9, 2017, the alleged killing of Mr. Chamnong Jiamjan in Thepa district on April 20, 2006, the alleged killing of assistant district chief Mr. Somsak Rakchart in Thepa district on January 9, 2005 and illegal possession of firearms.

Two other suspects in the Big C car bomb attack, who were caught earlier, have been sentenced to life in prison by the Pattani provincial court.