BANGKOK, March 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Two villagers in Thailand's southernmost province of Narathiwat were attacked by suspected insurgents on Saturday, one dead and the other seriously wounded.

    The two villagers, Usamandej Salae, 21, and Hayirina Awae, 16, were shot by two gunmen on a motorcycle when they were driving their motorcycles home, according to The Thai News Agency.

    Usamandej Salae, who was shot by the heavy firearms at his head and body, died instantly, while Miss Hayirina Awae, who was shot in the chest, was seriously injured and has been hospitalized.

    Thailand's deep south has fallen into spiraling violence since the beginning of 2004, when revived separatists started non-stop violence targeting security forces, government staff and civilians.

    The violence has killed more than 1,100 people over the past two years. Enditem