SAA event in Chiang Mai, Mae Fa Luang District area, Thailand on Mon 28th September 2026

A shootout occurred between a drug trafficking group and the Thai military in Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai Province, near the Thai-Myanmar border, resulting in the deaths of 9 drug traffickers and the seizure of over 272 kilograms of high-grade Ice (methamphetamine) packed across 16 backpacks.

The incident took place at around 8:10 PM on September 28 during a joint border security patrol along a natural border path in Ban Pang Mahan (Moo 8), Thot Thai Sub-district, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai Province, conducted by the Pha Mueang Task Force, the Thap Chao Tak Special Task Force, the 1st Patrol Company, and a special military intelligence team.

While on duty, officers spotted a suspicious group of roughly 15 to 17 individuals carrying backpacks crossing approximately 2 kilometers inside the border line. When officers signaled them to stop for inspection, the group opened fire with guns in an attempt to retreat. This led to an exchange of gunfire lasting about 10 minutes. Once the shooting ceased, the Thai military surrounded and secured the area overnight.

At 6:45 AM on September 29, under the instructions of Major General Satit Waiyanon, Commander of the Pha Mueang Task Force, a combined force led by Colonel Supan Roiphuth, Commander of the Thap Chao Tak Special Task Force, alongside Mae Fa Luang District administrative officials, officers from the Mae Fa Luang Police Station, and related department personnel, inspected the crime scene.

Upon inspection, officials discovered the bodies of 9 deceased men from the drug trafficking group along with 16 modified backpack sacks. Inside the sacks, authorities found a total of approximately 272 kilograms of Ice (methamphetamine), which were subsequently handed over to the Mae Fa Luang Police Station.