Man Dies in Blast During Drug Suspect Raid in Chiang Rai
A man died in an explosion during a drug raid in Chiang Rai on August 18 when he opened fire on police and attempted to throw explosives at officers searching for his son.
On August 18 at approximately 7:00 a.m., Fang Police Station officers and soldiers from the 35th Ranger Unit carried out a search warrant at a residence in Moo 9, Huay Chomphu Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai. The operation targeted 18-year-old Silchai (surname withheld), who faced arrest for Class 1 drug trafficking and methamphetamine possession without authorization.
During the operation, officers encountered an unidentified man who fired a shotgun at them and attempted to throw explosives. A blast occurred at the front of the house, killing the man at the scene. Senior Sergeant Tripongsak Khlangthaisongsang sustained shrapnel injuries to his left arm and was hospitalized at Chiang Rai Prachanukul Hospital; his condition is now stable.
Police later determined the deceased was Veerapat, 44, the father of the arrest target Silchai. Records show Veerapat also had an outstanding warrant for drug offences from Mae Saruay Police Station. The target suspect Silchai was not at the house when officers arrived, and police continue to pursue his arrest.
