Chiang Rai father killed by grenade during drug raid

A 45-year-old man, Weeraphan, was killed by a grenade explosion in Chiang Rai, Thailand, while attempting to prevent police from arresting his son. The incident occurred in the Huai Chomphu subdistrict during an operation by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and soldiers to apprehend 19-year-old Sinlachai Prangpai-ngam, who was wanted for the possession and sale of methamphetamine, locally known as Yaba.

During the confrontation, the father and son were reportedly armed with a shotgun, a sword, and a grenade. The grenade in Weeraphan’s hand detonated unexpectedly, causing his death and injuring a police officer, Phongsak Khlangthaisong, with shrapnel. The officer was treated at Fang Hospital and is in stable condition.

Authorities recovered a shotgun, a long sword, and a revolver at the scene. Investigations revealed that Weeraphan was also wanted for drug distribution in the region. The suspect, Sinlachai, managed to flee the scene and remains at large.