BANGKOK, Thailand – Five villagers were shot dead by suspected militants in Pattani on Tuesday (December 3rd), as political turmoil in Bangkok cast doubt over the next round of Deep South peace talks, AFP reported.

Four victims were travelling in a pickup truck when they were ambushed by gunmen in Nongchik district.

Nongchik police superintendent Yukol Prasatnanont said a fifth man was missing while two others sustained minor wounds in the attack.

In a separate incident, a 49-year-old Muslim villager was shot dead at his Kapho district home.

A fresh round of peace talks were slated for December but authorities said they may be postponed amid political unrest in Bangkok.

"We will try to have the talks this month, but if we cannot, we will postpone," National Security Council chief Paradorn Pattanathabut said.