Five dead as troops intercept 1.4 million meth pills in Chiang Mai border firefight

2026-02-15 - 09:46

CHIANG MAI — 15 February 2026, Five suspected drug traffickers were killed and approximately 1.4 million methamphetamine pills seized following a clash with Thai soldiers along the border in Fang district, officials said. The operation was carried out under government and Royal Thai Army policy to intensify crackdowns on narcotics trafficking, expand investigations to identify suppliers and buyers, and eradicate drugs from affected areas. According to intelligence from the Pha Muang Task Force, a shipment of methamphetamine was being smuggled across the border into Thailand. Patrol units from the 4th Cavalry Company (Phadong) under the Chaiyanuphap Task Force, led by Capt. Jirayus Boonthong, together with a ranger unit led by Capt. Prakasit Prob-yon of Company 3207 under the 3rd Army Region Operations Centre, conducted a joint patrol in the Ban San Ju–Huai Nok Kok area near Ban Nong Phai, Mon Pin subdistrict, Fang district. 5 people and 14 bags in total were found by authorities At approximately 14:30 on 14 February 2026, troops encountered a group of suspected cross-border drug couriers entering Thai territory. A firefight lasting more than five minutes ensued. The suspects were reportedly armed with military-style weapons. Reinforcement teams were deployed to secure the scene overnight. During a sweep of a 2 km radius the following morning, officers found five suspects dead. Fourteen sacks containing a total of approximately 1,400,000 methamphetamine pills were recovered from the area. The seizure was formally announced by Maj. Gen. Sathit Waiyonnon, commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, alongside senior military, police and administrative officials, including representatives from Fang Police Station, Border Patrol Police Company 334 and the Office of the Attorney General. The narcotics were handed over to investigators at Fang Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities said traffickers often attempt to move drugs across the border during festival periods before distributing them to inner provinces. Security forces have intensified operations along border routes and urged members of the public to report suspicious activity to the Pha Muang Task Force hotline at 053-211054 and 053-114804. Officials said continued cooperation from local communities is essential to suppress narcotics trafficking and ensure public safety and security.