Military Region 1 Clarifies Ranger Clash with Sarakaew Villager Over Drug Suspect's Escape with Weapon
A 37-year-old man was injured during a ranger operation in Sa Kaeo province on May 11 when he resisted arrest while carrying methamphetamine; the military has launched an investigation after his family alleged abuse.
On May 18, 2025, Military Region 1 released a clarification statement following reports that residents of Nong Ya Kaew subdistrict were seeking justice for a local who was injured during an encounter with ranger officials investigating a drug-related case. The incident occurred in the border area between Nong Samet and Nong Ya Kaew subdistricts in Kok Sung district, Sa Kaeo province on May 11.
According to the military's investigation, on May 10 at 10:30 p.m., the 1204th Ranger Company was conducting border surveillance operations when they identified Suratne Chob Sara Noi, 37, a Nong Ya Kaew resident, displaying suspicious behavior. When asked to comply and submit to a search, Suratne resisted and attempted to flee. During the subsequent pursuit and apprehension, Suratne wielded a machete, resulting in a scuffle that left him injured. Rangers discovered 21 methamphetamine tablets in his pocket and 1,300 baht in cash. Suratne confessed the drugs were his own.
On May 14, Suratne was hospitalized at Kok Sung Hospital with abdominal pain and vomiting blood, later transferred to Aranyaprathet Hospital. His family filed a complaint with Kok Sung Police Station alleging ranger abuse. The incident prompted some villagers to demand action against the officers involved.
The Rangers' parent unit, the 12th Ranger Regiment, established a fact-finding committee and has preliminarily reassigned the involved rangers from the area to ensure fairness. Officials stated that if wrongdoing is confirmed, disciplinary and legal action will follow. The unit has visited Suratne twice and provided financial assistance. The drug case remains under police investigation with ongoing inquiries into related networks.
Military Region 1 expressed regret over the incident and reaffirmed its policy against excessive force. The command urged local residents to cooperate by reporting illegal activities to authorities.
