YALA, Thailand – Four fruit traders from the eastern province of Rayong were bound and killed by suspected insurgents in the Deep South province of Yala early Tuesday (February 5th), local media reported.

Seven men stormed the hut the traders had been using in tambon Krong Penang. They then tied up and shot the victims at close range. Police told The Bangkok Post the attackers used 9mm and 11mm calibre handguns and M16 assault rifles.

Police also told the paper there were three survivors who had been sleeping in a truck parked near the hut and stayed there until soldiers arrived at the scene. The survivors said they had gone to Yala to buy fruit from local farmers to sell in Rayong.

According to AFP, the Thai government is trying to stimulate the Deep South economy by encouraging traders from around the country to buy products such as fruit and rubber from the region to sell back home.

Yala Police Major General Pira Boonlieng denounced the attack, criticising the attackers for targeting defenceless victims, The Nation reported.

"No fighters fight with civilians or weaker persons. This attack was carried out against people without the ability to fight back. The gunmen should reconsider their actions," he said.

He added he was confident police would track the killers as plenty of evidence was left at the scene.