Two police officers were shot and a passing motorcyclist was seriously injured during major drug operations in two Thai provinces on Sunday.
In Pathum Thani, a sting operation turned violent when officers attempted to arrest a suspected drug trafficker at a convenience store car park in tambon Bang Phun, Muang district, about 3:20 p.m. The suspect opened fire, wounding Pol Sgt Asanai Rueangsai, 28, in the arm and thigh, and police volunteer Apichai Chuenjai, 42, in the thigh. Bullet holes were found in a nearby car and the store’s wall. Spent 9mm cartridges littered the scene.
The gunman fled in his vehicle and is believed to have been wounded in the exchange. Police were still searching for the suspect.
Later that evening in Phitsanulok, officers pursued a car from Chiang Rai province carrying 410 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. The chase ended around 6:30 p.m. on Highway 117 when police disabled the vehicle with a shot to its front tyre.
A 67-year-old motorcyclist was hit by the pursuing police pickup near his home and suffered multiple broken bones. One suspect was arrested, while another, identified as Jaturapak Takjang, 27, of Surat Thani, escaped.
The detained suspect reportedly admitted they were transporting the drugs to Suphan Buri province.
