Nine killed in Chiang Rai border drug clash

Nine suspected drug smugglers were killed following a gun battle with Thai soldiers near the Myanmar border in Chiang Rai's Mae Fah Luang district on 28 September.

Troops later seized 272kg of crystal methamphetamine, or ice, from 16 modified sacks left at the scene, the Phamuang Force said.

The confrontation happened at about 8.10pm near Ban Pang Mahan, Moo 8, Thoet Thai subdistrict. Two patrol teams from the 1st Cavalry Company of the Task Force Chao Tak, part of the Phamuang Force, were working alongside a special intelligence operations team.

Patrol encountered armed group

Soldiers said they spotted a group of about 15 to 17 people walking along a natural route in the border area, each carrying a suspicious modified sack.

When officers identified themselves and attempted to search the group, the suspects opened fire with weapons of an unknown type and calibre, according to the military account. An exchange of gunfire followed for around 10 minutes before the group retreated towards the border.

Three further operation teams were deployed to secure the location and maintain an overnight watch in case the group returned. No Thai personnel were injured or killed, officials said.

At 6.45am on 29 September, officers searched the surrounding area and found nine alleged members of the drug-trafficking group dead. They also recovered 16 sacks containing suspected narcotics.

Ice shipment sent for examination

Officials said each sack contained about 17kg of methamphetamine, giving the haul a total weight of approximately 272kg.

At 10.30am, Maj Gen Sathit Wainon, commander of the Phamuang Force, assigned Col Suphan Roiput, commander of Task Force Chao Tak, to inspect the site. Relevant agencies were called in to conduct the formal examination before the drugs were handed to Mae Fah Luang Police Station for legal proceedings.

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath

Intelligence officials said the group was believed to have been moving drugs from a neighbouring country into Thailand. The seized consignment was believed to have been produced in an ethnic minority area of Wa State, Myanmar, and carried by ethnic Lahu hill tribe members living along the border for onward transport deeper into Thailand.

Border patrols tightened

The operation forms part of the Royal Thai Army's wider border drug-interdiction measures. Army commander Gen Pana Klaewplodtook and Third Army Region commander Lt Gen Worathep Bunya have instructed border units to strengthen surveillance and interception efforts.

Maj Gen Sathit has also ordered units in the area to continue increased monitoring aimed at stopping drugs reaching Thailand's interior.

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30 September 2026