A husband and wife were shot dead in Yala's Yaha district yesterday, police say.
Officials examine the bodies of Lert Chaisangad, 62, and his wife, Tim Thongsongkaew, 55, who were shot dead in Yala’s Yaha district yesterday while travelling on a motorcycle on their way to sell vegetables in Pattani. MUHAMMAD AYUB PATHAN
According to witnesses, Lert Chaisangad, 62, and his wife Tim Thongsongkaew, 55, were travelling on a motorcycle from tambon Lam Phak Chi to sell vegetables in Khok Pho district of Pattani.
They were followed by two men on another motorcycle.
At Ban Chopunae, the two men opened fire on the couple before speeding away.
The two died at the scene.
Meanwhile, the Southern Women's Peace Network to Stop Violence said the 11-year-long insurgency has left 2,800 widows and 6,000 orphans, as well as 18,206 dead and injured in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat and parts of Songkhla.
The network's chairwoman, Rosida Pusu, released the figures at a seminar in Pattani yesterday. The event came two days before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women tomorrow.
As well as violence, women and children also face problems relating to drug use, domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy and gender inequality, Ms Rosida said.
This leaves them vulnerable to violent attacks.