Two suspected insurgents were shot dead by Thai security forces during clashes this morning (Friday) in Raman district of the southern province of Yala.

Security forces were dispatched to Nern Ngam sub-district, to search for insurgents after they received a tipoff that some had taken refuge in the rural village.

As the police, troops and village volunteers moved into the village to conduct searches, they came under fire, triggering a gun battle.

Two suspected insurgents were later found shot dead in the village.

About two days ago, security forces shot and killed two suspected insurgents in the Rue Soh district of Narathiwat province.

Insurgent groups have been battling Thai government forces for decades, seeking self-determination in the predominantly Muslim provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Satun. More than 7,300 people have been killed in the conflict since 2004.

Peace talks between the Thai government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) resumed this year, after a two-year hiatus, leading to both sides suspending hostilities during the holy month of Ramadan.

Facilitated by Malaysia, the last round of talks, in March and April, were deemed by the Thai side as positive, as it was the first time that a core member of the armed wing of the BRN, Deng Awaeji, took part in the talks.