Intense Firefight on Mae Ai Border: Drug Trafficking Ring Destroyed, One Killed, Large Cache of Opium and Methamphetamine Seized
Rangers clashed with drug smugglers near the Myanmar-Thailand border in Mae Ai, Chiang Mai on May 12, killing one suspect and seizing 250,000 methamphetamine tablets and 11.2 kilograms of raw opium during an overnight firefight.
On May 13, 2025, the Phrae Muang task force, under the command of Police Colonel Sathit Waiyanon and Deputy Commander Pol. Major Dechathon Saiyahut, received intelligence from the ranger news unit regarding a drug trafficking group smuggling narcotics across the Myanmar-Thailand border. Pol. Major Kitti Najay, commander of the regional military command's ranger unit, deployed ranger company 3209 under First Lieutenant Twich Pikrueang along with long-range reconnaissance teams to intercept the smugglers.
The confrontation occurred in a natural passage area near Ban Rom Thai, Moo 14, Ta Ton Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai. On May 12, 2025, at approximately 9:40 p.m., rangers detected a drug trafficking group attempting to move narcotics through their patrol route. When asked to stop, the suspects opened fire, triggering an exchange that lasted until dawn at approximately 6:00 a.m.
Upon inspection of the battle site, rangers found one body equipped with a modified rifle and a modified backpack. The deceased is believed to be a foreign national who illegally entered Thailand. Near the body were three backpacks total containing approximately 250,000 methamphetamine tablets and approximately 11.2 kilograms of raw opium. The location was near a rubber plantation road, suggesting the drugs were being held for pickup by a drug lord's vehicle.
The Phrae Muang task force has intensified border patrols, operating 24-hour rotations and coordinating with local government agencies to intercept further drug trafficking operations. All seized materials have been turned over to Mae Ai Police Station for legal proceedings.
