Border Patrol Police officers from Company 334 engaged in a gun battle with suspected drug traffickers in Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai, during the early hours of 17 June 2026. One suspect was killed and officers seized more than 2.8 million methamphetamine pills, along with a handgun, a vehicle and two mobile phones. Authorities are continuing efforts to track down other members of the trafficking network who escaped.
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At 3.00am on 17 June 2026, Pol Col Phadungkiat Pantoranonthaka, commander of Border Patrol Police Sub-Division 33, together with Pol Lt Col Thawatchai Surinta, deputy commander and head of Border Patrol Police Company 334, and Pol Lt Col Ananyawat Rattanawichai, commander of Company 334, deployed intelligence and narcotics suppression teams to Ban Na Ma Uen in Mae Ai district. The operation aimed to intercept a cross-border drug trafficking movement in the area.
Officers later spotted a suspicious Honda CR-V bearing Chiang Rai registration plates travelling along a public road in Ban Pong Hai, Moo 15, Mae Sao sub-district, Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai province. Police signalled the vehicle to stop for inspection, but the occupants reportedly opened the doors and fled on foot.
According to police, the suspects fired weapons at officers while attempting to escape, leading to an exchange of gunfire that lasted for more than 10 minutes. Once the shooting had ended, officers searched the area and the vehicle involved.
Inside the vehicle, police found approximately 14 modified sacks containing more than 2,800,000 methamphetamine tablets. Officers also recovered a 11mm handgun, the vehicle used in the operation and two mobile phones.
A further search located the body of a male suspect about 100 metres from the scene. Police said he was one of the members of the drug trafficking group involved in the attempted transport of the narcotics.
The seized drugs and other evidence have been handed over to investigating officers for legal proceedings. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by authorities to disrupt cross-border drug trafficking routes in northern Thailand.
Daily news reported that officials are continuing to deploy personnel in the area to search for and apprehend the remaining suspects who fled during the confrontation. Further investigations are expected as police examine the evidence recovered from the scene.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 18 June 2026