A former army recruit was shot to death in Muang district of Yala in broad daylight on Sunday, police said.

Police said while Pvt Isma-ae Yala, 23, a former draftee who had just completed his military service, was standing at the mouth of Soi Kokaew in front of Somwang Apartment on Tuebo-Para Mitae road two men arrived on a motorcycle and one of them opened fire at him with an M16 rifle before fleeing.

Pvt Isma-ae was hit in the body and the head. He was killed instantly.

Police recovered nine spent shells of M16 ammunition at the scene.

Police were investigating the killing to find out if it was an act of insurgency.