NEW : The Thai military says 16 insurgents were killed , one fewer than previously stated . Comment: But the Thai navy personnel in the base were ready after receiving a tip , the officials say . Muslim separatists in southern Thailand have been fighting government forces for years .
NEW : The Thai military says 16 insurgents were killed , one fewer than previously stated . The heavily armed militants attacked under cover of darkness , military officials say . But the Thai navy personnel in the base were ready after receiving a tip , the officials say . Muslim separatists in southern Thailand have been fighting government forces for years .