Narathiwat - Suspected Islamic militants shot two rangers dead in Thailand's restive south on Thursday as the country unveiled plans to revoke a state of emergency in part of the troubled region.
Four attackers disguised as Muslim women gunned down the paramilitary workers who were driving home from night duty in Narathiwat province.
Two local women were wounded by stray bullets in the morning shooting and police said the assailants stole the rangers' guns.
The violence came as Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced plans to end emergency rule in three insurgency-plagued provinces after nearly seven years of unrest.
Thailand lifted a separate state of emergency in Bangkok and three neighbouring areas this week, eight months after the law was invoked in response to anti-government “Red Shirt” protests that ultimately left over 90 people dead.
“We are preparing to lift the state of emergency,” Abhisit said, adding that in one district of Pattani province, Mae Lan, the laws were likely to be lifted “before New Year” as a test case for the rest of the southern area.
The restive region, which also includes Yala province, has been continuously under a state of emergency since 2005.
Activists fear a culture of impunity has developed in the region and accuse authorities of abusing their sweeping powers under the laws, including the ability to hold suspects for 30 days without charge.
Suspected Islamic insurgents have waged a violent campaign in Thailand's deep south near the border with Malaysia since January 2004, targeting Muslims and Buddhists, civilians and security personnel.
More than 4 400 people have died since the violence began, while about 7 000 have been injured, according to the non-governmental organisation Deep South Watch, which monitors the conflict. - Sapa-AFP