Crime Gunfire Erupts in Northern Thai Forest as Military Clashes with Drug Caravan – 3 Killed

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A violent clash erupted along the Thai-Myanmar border early on the morning of 13 June, when soldiers from the Pha Muang Task Force encountered an armed drug trafficking group in the forested hills of Fang district, Chiang Mai province. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of three suspected traffickers and the seizure of multiple sacks of narcotics.

 

Acting on intelligence reports, troops from Company 3, Chaiyanupap Task Force, had been conducting an overnight patrol in Mon Pin subdistrict, Fang district. The area, located near a known drug smuggling route from Wa-controlled territory in Myanmar, had been flagged for increased surveillance.

 

Initially, the patrol, which began on the evening of 12 June, yielded no signs of activity. However, as the soldiers were withdrawing to change positions early on 13 June, they spotted a group of six to eight individuals carrying heavy backpacks. When the troops signalled their intention to inspect the group, the suspects opened fire in an apparent attempt to flee.

 

A fierce gun battle ensued, lasting around 10 minutes. Once the gunfire ceased, the soldiers confirmed that no members of their unit had been injured. Upon securing the area, they discovered three bodies, each still wearing large rucksacks. An additional six sacks believed to contain narcotics were also recovered, likely dropped by fleeing members of the group. A shotgun was found nearby.

 

Authorities believe the group had crossed illegally from Myanmar via a route frequently used by drug traffickers attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into Thailand. The incident occurred in a dense forest area near Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, part of a rugged region that has long been exploited by traffickers due to its remote terrain and proximity to drug production zones.

 

The Royal Thai Army has since intensified security along the border and coordinated with relevant agencies to continue sweeping the area in search of further contraband or suspects.

 

Military sources report that the opposite side of the border, in Myanmar’s Shan State, hosts the headquarters of several Wa army battalions and other armed ethnic groups. These groups are suspected of facilitating the production and movement of narcotics into Thailand through a network of ethnic carriers, particularly from the Lahu community.

 

Despite ongoing military efforts, the cross-border drug trade remains a persistent and dangerous challenge in Thailand’s northern provinces.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-14