Investigation Into Attempted Shooting of Narathiwat MP Kamonsak

Thai authorities have arrested three suspects in connection with a March 20, 2026, assassination attempt on Kamonsak Leewamoh, a Prachachat Party member of parliament and prominent human rights lawyer. The investigation has revealed that the vehicle used in the shooting was a pickup truck belonging to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), a national security agency.

The attack occurred in the Bacho district of Narathiwat province as Mr. Kamonsak was returning home from Hat Yai airport. While the lawmaker remained unhurt during the incident, his driver and police escort both sustained serious wounds.

Investigation and Arrests

Pol. Maj. Gen. Chumpol Saksureemongkol, head of the Investigation Division of the Southern Border Provinces Police Task Force, stated that three suspects have been apprehended, while two others remain sought by authorities. A total of five individuals are believed to be involved in the case.

One of the arrested individuals, Alawi Awae, was apprehended in Bangkok on Sunday, April 5, 2026, and subsequently transported to Narathiwat for interrogation. Pol Lt Gen Piyawat Chaloemsri, commander of Provincial Police Region 9, alleged that Mr. Awae confessed to serving as the driver of the pickup truck used in the attack.

Police investigators discovered disassembled parts of the Isoc pickup truck at a junk yard in the Tak Bai district of Narathiwat on Wednesday, April 2, 2026. Authorities believe the vehicle was intentionally broken up for parts to conceal its ownership and origin.

Implication of Security Agencies

The discovery that a security agency vehicle was used in the attack has drawn significant attention. The truck was reportedly owned by the Isoc office in Narathiwat, a detail cited by provincial governor Boonchuay Homyamyen.

In response to the allegations, the Royal Thai Navy has stated it will not protect wrongdoers and is cooperating fully with the investigation after a naval officer was transferred due to the vehicle’s link to the attack.

Human Rights Watch has called for an urgent, thorough, and impartial investigation into the attempt on the life of the Muslim lawmaker, noting the implications of a security agency’s involvement.

Political Reactions and Government Response

The Prachachat Party established a dedicated team to monitor the progress of the investigation after learning of the Isoc vehicle’s involvement. Other political figures have also weighed in, with calls for Anutin Charnvirakul to address the instability in the south and resolve the case, citing evidence that may link the incident to central authorities.

Members of the Bhumjaithai Party from southern Thailand have expressed that the assassination attempt is unacceptable. They have indicated that the Prime Minister has expressed concern over the shooting and is preparing to visit the family of Mr. Kamonsak.

Formal requests have been submitted to the Prime Minister urging the government to accelerate the investigation to ensure accountability and transparency regarding the perpetrators and any potential state involvement.