Thai soldiers kill nine smugglers and seize 272kg of meth near Myanmar border

Nine suspected drug smugglers were killed during a firefight with Thai soldiers near the Myanmar border in the Mae Fah Luang district of Chiang Rai. The clash occurred on the evening of September 28 near Ban Pang Mahan when two patrol teams from the 1st Cavalry Company of Task Force Chao Tak, operating alongside an intelligence unit, encountered a group of 15 to 17 individuals carrying suspicious sacks.

According to military officials, the group opened fire when soldiers attempted to identify themselves, leading to a 10-minute exchange of gunfire. The suspects eventually retreated toward the border. During a sweep of the area the following morning, authorities discovered nine bodies and 16 sacks containing approximately 272 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice.

Intelligence officials believe the narcotics originated from an ethnic minority area in Myanmar’s Wa State and were being transported by ethnic Lahu hill tribe members. No Thai military personnel were reported injured or killed during the encounter. The seized drugs have been handed over to the Mae Fah Luang Police Station for legal proceedings.