The police have identified two people to facilitate investigations into the shooting of a Malaysian and his Thai wife, three days ago.

Muang Narathiwat District police chief, Police Colonel Manit Yimsai said the police were collecting evidence to issue an arrest warrant on the duo as soon as possible.

He said the motive of the incident was believed to be personal. Mohamad Shahridwan, 24, from Kelantan is still in a coma at Narathiwat Rachanakarin Hospital and requires a respirator.

Yesterday, he was not in stable condition. His family members were called into the room and they recited the 'Yasin'.

"Later, he looked better although still unconscious," said his father, Ismail Hamat, 66.

He said Mohamad was the eighth of 10 children. Two of the siblings have died and two of his older sisters are physically-challenged.

Mohamad's work entails digging wells in Kota Baharu, Kelantan.

His wife, Pochanee Pachara, 38, who has three children of her own operates a clothing business. Mohamad helps his wife in the business, as well.

Pochanee said neither she nor her husband had any problem with anyone.

"Now, my concern is the hospital expenses. Since he is a foreigner, the cost is quite expensive and we are not rich," she said.

She urged the authorities to hasten the search for those who shot her husband.

She has also appealed to the Consulate of Malaysia in Songkhla to resolve her husband's border pass which was expiring.