Drug Caravan Clashes with Thai Forces Near Myanmar Border
Chiang Mai – A deadly clash between Thai security forces and a drug-smuggling caravan occurred in Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai province, approximately seven kilometers from the Thai-Myanmar border. Two drug couriers were killed, and authorities seized 280,000 methamphetamine pills along with 4.8 kilograms of raw opium.
The joint operation, conducted on Thursday (March 20, 2025), involved the rapid deployment platoon of the Pha Muang Force, officers from the Northern Border Precursors and Chemical Substances Drug Suppression and Interdiction Command (NB.YS.35), and the 3207th Ranger Company. Their patrol targeted a known drug-trafficking route in a mountainous forest area between the Na Ma Auen and Pa Lo routes in Mae Sao subdistrict, Mae Ai district.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., officers spotted a group of 7-8 individuals traveling on foot, carrying backpacks suspected to contain illegal drugs. When security forces signaled the group to halt for a search, the suspects opened fire with unidentified firearms in an attempt to flee. A brief but intense gunfight ensued.
Due to the dangers of nighttime clearance, additional reinforcements from the 3207th Ranger Company were deployed to secure the area. By early Friday morning (March 21, 2025), Major General Kidakorn Chantra, Commander of the Pha Muang Force, ordered a thorough investigation of the scene.
Authorities discovered the bodies of two deceased drug traffickers, while the remaining suspects were believed to have fled across the border into Myanmar. A subsequent search led to the recovery of two modified backpacks containing 280,000 methamphetamine pills and three blocks of raw opium, weighing a total of 4.8 kilograms.
Additionally, officers seized a homemade long-barrel shotgun, a radio communication device, and a mobile phone. All confiscated items were handed over to investigators at Mae Ai Police Station for further legal proceedings.
This operation highlights Thailand’s ongoing efforts to combat cross-border drug trafficking along the northern frontier.
