CHIANG RAI, Thailand – Nine suspected drug traffickers were killed in a gunfight with Thai soldiers along the Thailand-Myanmar border in Chiang Rai early Tuesday, September 29, with authorities seizing about 272 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.
The clash occurred near Pang Mahan village in Thoet Thai subdistrict, Mae Fah Luang district, after soldiers from the Pha Muang Force’s Thap Chao Tak Task Force were conducting an overnight surveillance operation to prevent illegal activity and drug trafficking.
At around midnight, troops encountered a group of about 15–17 people moving through forest and local agricultural paths. Each person was carrying a sack modified as a backpack. The soldiers signaled for the group to stop for inspection, but the suspects allegedly opened fire with unidentified firearms in an attempt to escape. Soldiers returned fire, resulting in an exchange that lasted about 10 minutes.
All Thai personnel were reported safe. Additional troops were deployed to secure the area throughout the night. At about 6:45 a.m., soldiers entered the area and found nine bodies belonging to members of the group involved in the gunfight. They also found 16 modified sacks, each containing about 17 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, for a combined weight of approximately 272 kilograms. The drugs were seized as evidence.
Police from Mae Fah Luang Police Station, district authorities, doctors, prosecutors and other relevant agencies were then called to inspect the scene and proceed according to law.
The Pang Mahan area connects with Pang Nun–Mong Kao Lang and Mae Jok Pass, across from Mae Jok village in Myanmar’s Mong Hsat Township. Authorities said the area has repeatedly been used for drug trafficking into Thailand.
The Pha Muang Force commander, who also heads the force’s drug prevention and suppression operations centre, has ordered units to maintain strict measures to intercept drug trafficking along the border.
