Four Drug Smugglers Killed in Northern Thailand Shootout

CHIANG MAI, June 13 (TNA) - Four suspected drug smugglers were killed and 400,000 methamphetamine pills seized after a shootout with Thai soldiers in Fang district, Chiang Mai, early this morning.

Troops from the Chaiyanuphap Task Force were patrolling near Ban Khop Dong, along the Thai-Myanmar border, when they encountered a caravan of 6-8 armed men carrying backpacks. When soldiers signaled for them to stop, the suspects opened fire, leading to a 10-minute exchange of gunfire. The remaining smugglers then retreated.

A search of the area by Pha Mueang Force officials later in the day confirmed four fatalities among the smugglers and the discovery of 400,000 methamphetamine pills. -819 (TNA)