Police Informant Drowns in Flash Flood During Drugs Raid

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

A police informant drowned in a swollen stream while chasing a drug dealer in northern Thailand, authorities confirmed on 17 August.

The body of 46-year-old Nattapong R., from Chiang Mai, was recovered, around 300 metres downstream from where he had entered the water in Mae Mok Creek, Lampang province.

According to police, Mr Nattapong had been assisting investigators from Wiang Mok police station during a covert drugs operation, the previous day. Officers had staged a sting, using the informant, to catch a methamphetamine dealer, but the suspect realised the trap and fled into the creek.

Witnesses said the informant leapt in after him but was quickly overwhelmed by the floodwater. Heavy rain in the area had caused a flash flood, raising water levels to over two metres and creating powerful currents.

Rescue teams from Lampang’s disaster prevention unit, together with police divers and volunteers, launched a major search. Despite using boats and underwater equipment, efforts were hampered by poor visibility and strong currents. The search resumed at first light on 17 August, when his body was discovered entangled in vegetation midstream.

Police confirmed that the drug suspect was apprehended during the operation.

Colonel Pinit Netpanya, superintendent of Wiang Mok police, said:

“This was a tragic loss. Mr Nattapong had worked closely with our investigative team and showed great bravery in pursuing the suspect. Sadly, the floodwaters were too strong.”

Monks were invited to perform a ritual before the body was recovered, in line with local custom, as dozens of villagers gathered on the riverbank. A post-mortem examination was later carried out at Thoen Hospital.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-08-18