Pha Muang Force Seizes Over 6 Million Meth Pills in Chiang Rai

Thairath•Society•252d ago

Reader Briefing

Border forces engaged in a firefight with drug traffickers, apprehending one suspect and seizing over six million methamphetamine pills.

•The Pha Muang Force clashed with suspected drug smugglers near the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai.
•During the operation, over 6 million methamphetamine pills were confiscated.
•One Myanmar national was arrested in the area and reportedly confessed to participating in the drug transport.
•The incident occurred on the afternoon of January 30, 2026.

•On Jan 30, 2026, elements of the Pha Muang Force were on patrol near the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai, due to ongoing efforts to prevent drug trafficking.
•Pha Muang Force personnel encountered a group of approximately 30-35 individuals carrying modified rice sacks, leading to an attempt to conduct a search.
•The suspected traffickers opened fire on the Thai forces when they were asked to submit for inspection, resulting in a firefight.
•The exchange of gunfire lasted approximately 5 minutes, after which the suspects fled, utilizing their knowledge of the terrain.
•Following the clash, Thai forces secured the area and discovered 30 modified rice sacks containing approximately 6,000,000 methamphetamine pills.
•An additional suspect, identified as a Myanmar national, was apprehended in the vicinity of the incident.
•The apprehended suspect confessed to being part of a group of about 30 individuals who transported the drugs from Baan Pa Sak, Myanmar, for a payment of 15,000 baht.
•The seized contraband and the suspect were handed over to the police for legal proceedings and further investigation.

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Myanmar Suspect

"I confessed that I colluded with about 30 people in the trafficking group, transporting drugs from Baan Pa Sak, Myanmar, and received 15,000 baht."

สารภาพว่าได้ร่วมกับกลุ่มขบวนการประมาณ 30 คน ลำเลียงยาเสพติดเข้ามาจากบ้านป่าสัก ประเทศเมียนมา และได้รับค่าจ้าง 15,000 บาท

Pha Muang Force(กองกำลังผาเมือง)

A military unit of the Royal Thai Army responsible for border patrol and interdiction in the northern region of Thailand.

Royal Thai Army(ทบ.)ℹ️

The primary military branch of Thailand responsible for national defense and security operations, including border protection.

3rd Army Area Operations Center(ศูนย์ปฏิบัติการกองทัพภาคที่ 3)

A command center within the Royal Thai Army responsible for overseeing military operations in the 3rd Army Area, including border regions.

3rd Cavalry Company, Task Force Chao Phra(กองร้อยทหารม้าที่ 3 หน่วยเฉพาะกิจทัพเจ้าตาก)

A specific military subunit under the Pha Muang Force, involved in border patrol and interdiction.

Police Officers(เจ้าหน้าที่ตำรวจ)

Law enforcement personnel responsible for investigating crimes and prosecuting offenders in Thailand.

Mae Sai District(อ.แม่สาย)ℹ️

A district in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, located on the border with Myanmar, known as a key transit point for illicit goods.

Chiang Rai Province(จ.เชียงราย)ℹ️

A province in northern Thailand bordering Laos and Myanmar, often associated with drug trafficking routes.

Ban Huay Nam Rin(บ้านห้วยน้ำริน)

A village located in Tambon Wiang Phangkham, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, where the drug interdiction incident took place.

Tambon Wiang Phangkham(ต.เวียงพางคำ)

A sub-district within Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, in proximity to the Myanmar border.

Baan Pa Sak(บ้านป่าสัก)

A location in Myanmar from which the drug trafficking group originated their transport.

Narcotics Act(พระราชบัญญัติยาเสพติด)

The legislative framework in Thailand governing the classification, control, and penalties related to illegal drugs.

Methamphetamine Pills(ยาบ้า)ℹ️

A type of stimulant drug, commonly produced in South East Asia and widely trafficked across borders, referred to as 'ya ba' in Thai.