The alleged attack was attributed to stress.
The shooting, which took place at 8.30pm while people were eating together at the police residence, killed Pol Lieutenant Natthawat Churat, 39, and Pol Sergeant Major Sayan Phetchtem, 44, while nine policemen, four wives of police officers and one other civilian were wounded.
Southern Border Provinces Police Operation Centre acting chief Pol Maj-General Ronnasin Phusara |yesterday said police were continuing to hunt for Hassapol, who allegedly fled the scene with a gun.
Ronnasin added that an initial investigation found that the shooting might stem from stress regarding a family issue and that Hassapol had not visited his home in Buri Ram for three years during his service at the police station.
The suspect reportedly observed his colleagues and their families eating together and remarked that everyone seemed very happy except for him.
Ronnasin added that policemen at the station had a heavy workload and many had developed symptoms of stress, which had prompted local hospitals to send psychologists to provide counselling.
Some of the police officers serving in the deep South were from other parts of the country, contributing to stress related to family affairs, Ronnasin said, adding that supervisors were addressing the issue by giving advice and having psychologists provide counselling.