Drug Smugglers Killed in Firefight with Paramilitary Forces in Chiang Mai

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Two suspected drug traffickers were shot dead in a fierce gun battle with paramilitary rangers during a dawn operation near the Thai-Myanmar border in Chiang Mai province. Authorities seized five backpacks containing more than 500,000 methamphetamine pills in the incident.

The clash took place early morning on 23 May, in a remote forested area of Doi Laem, Village 13, Mae Ai District. Acting on intelligence that drug smugglers were planning to cross into Thailand from Myanmar, Major General Kidakorn Jantra, commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, ordered enhanced border surveillance and round-the-clock patrols.

A unit of the 3207 Paramilitary Ranger Company, led by Captain Prakasit Probyon, was dispatched to conduct a foot patrol in the highland terrain. During the patrol, they encountered a group of 5–7 armed men carrying modified backpacks. The rangers attempted to intercept and search the group, but the suspects opened fire, sparking a 10-minute gunfight.

Once the shooting stopped, the paramilitary team secured the area and reported the incident. A subsequent inspection, led by Colonel Maitree Srisantia, Chief of Staff of the Pha Muang Force, and Colonel Jakkrapong Sotsi, commander of the 3rd Army Region’s Paramilitary Command, revealed two bodies and five abandoned backpacks filled with a total of 500,000 methamphetamine tablets.

The remaining smugglers managed to flee back across the border. Authorities are continuing to search the area and tighten surveillance along the border in an effort to prevent further incursions.

The seized drugs have been handed over to investigators at Mae Ai Police Station for legal proceedings.

The operation underscores the ongoing challenges Thailand faces in curbing the flow of narcotics from neighbouring countries, particularly through porous mountainous border regions.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.