NEW : The Thai military says 16 insurgents were killed , one fewer than previously stated . Human Rights Watch last year said that in 2011 , insurgent groups targeted teachers they saw as symbols of state efforts to undermine Malay Muslim identity . 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 . 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 .