Naval forces from the Mekong Riverine Patrol Unit ambushed a Lao methamphetamine trafficking gang along the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom. After identifying themselves, they were fired upon, resulting in a firefight that left two suspects dead and one injured.
On 7 April 2026, reporters updated on the clash between naval forces of the Mekong Riverine Patrol Unit from Ban Phaeng Station, Nakhon Phanom, and a transnational drug trafficking gang in Ban Na Khao, Na Khao Subdistrict, Ban Phaeng District, Nakhon Phanom. After gunfire subsided, two traffickers were found dead and one injured, while all officers remained safe. The incident occurred at 9:00 p.m. on 6 April.
Upon investigation, Police Colonel Jiruth Pimpa, Chief of Ban Phaeng Police Station, together with Police Lieutenant Colonel Theerawut Dangkasi, Investigating Officer, coordinated with forensic and related officials to collect evidence at the border site along the Mekong River in Ban Na Khao, Na Khao Subdistrict, Ban Phaeng District, Nakhon Phanom. They found a long-tail boat with an engine carrying three motorcycles and packages of methamphetamine totaling 900 pills, along with one homemade Thai firearm.
Near the riverbank at the scene, the bodies of those shot were found. One victim was identified as Thao Anucha Apaiso, aged 25. Another was critically injured and later died at Ban Phaeng District Hospital. Additionally, one more injured person is receiving treatment at the hospital. Allthreeare Lao nationals. Authorities will proceed with investigations and legal actions accordingly.
Prior to the incident, naval forces of the Mekong Riverine Patrol Unit received reports that a drug trafficking group planned to exchange methamphetamine for stolen motorcycles. They deployed forces to ambush the suspects, but when confronted, the suspects opened fire, leading to the shootout that caused the casualties and injuries.
Moreover, drug seizure data from the Nakhon Phanom border area over the past six months shows more than 30 million methamphetamine pills and over 4 tons of crystal meth seized. Recently, on 5 April 2026, a firefight occurred with Ranger Unit 2101, but there were no casualties. Authorities seized over 240 kilograms of crystal meth during that operation.