CHIANG MAI – Thai army rangers have reported that three suspected drug couriers were killed following a late-night clash near the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai province. Authorities also seized approximately 500,000 methamphetamine tablets during the operation, marking another significant drug interception along the northern border.
According to officials, the incident occurred after intelligence units detected plans to move a large shipment of illegal drugs through forested mountain routes into Thailand. Acting on this information, Maj Gen Sathit Waiyanon, commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, ordered a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies to monitor the suspected smuggling path.
The joint team, led by Col Mechai Nilsat, deputy commander of the task force, moved into the border area near Ban Na Ma Uen in Mae Ai sub-district. Rangers positioned themselves along known transit routes frequently used by traffickers operating across the Thai-Myanmar frontier.
At around 8.00 pm, officers observed a group of approximately five to eight individuals moving through the forest from the border toward Thai territory. Each person was reportedly carrying a modified backpack made from woven sacks, a method commonly used to transport large quantities of narcotics discreetly through rugged terrain.
When rangers identified themselves and signaled the group to stop for inspection, the suspects allegedly opened fire with firearms of an unknown type in an apparent attempt to break through the security line and escape. Rangers returned fire, leading to an exchange that lasted roughly five minutes. No Thai officers were injured during the confrontation.
Due to darkness and limited visibility in the mountainous forest area, the team secured the scene overnight to prevent further danger and preserve evidence. Additional personnel were deployed to reinforce the area before a full inspection could be carried out at first light.
The following morning, Col Mechai, along with officials from related agencies, conducted a detailed search of the scene. Units from the Ranger Control Centre, the Third Army Region Operations Centre, and rapid-movement support teams worked together to secure the area. During the search, the bodies of three suspected couriers were found along the forest line.
A search of the abandoned backpacks revealed methamphetamine tablets in all three sacks. Authorities reported the total seizure amounted to approximately 500,000 pills. Officers also recovered a locally made long gun, ammunition, and six spent 7.22 mm cartridge cases from the scene.
All seized evidence was collected and transferred to Mae Ai Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. Thai security forces have reiterated their commitment to tightening border security and disrupting drug trafficking networks operating in northern Thailand.
