Ranger unit 3209 clashed with a criminal group in Tha Ton Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai Province, resulting in one suspect killed and the seizure of 250,000 methamphetamine pills and 11.2 kilograms of raw opium drug.
On 13 May 2026, reports stated that on 9 May 2026, the Pha Muang Task Force, through Ranger Company 3209 of the Ranger Control Command, Third Army Operations Center, deployed personnel along with two long-range patrol squads from the Pha Muang Task Force to conduct area patrols in Tha Ton Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai Province.
Later, on 12 May 2026 at 9:00 p.m., the unit detected a group of approximately 5 to 10 suspicious individuals moving along a path in the terrain. The unit identified themselves to conduct a search, but the group opened fire with unknown type and caliber firearms, leading to a roughly five-minute exchange. Our forces remained safe, while the criminals, using their local knowledge, escaped. The unit then reinforced the area with two additional operational teams to secure the scene awaiting further investigation.
On 13 May 2026 at 6:00 a.m., the unit inspected the scene and found one deceased criminal. They discovered three sacks converted into backpacks containing illicit drugs: 250,000 methamphetamine pills (Category 1 narcotics) and approximately 11.2 kilograms of raw opium (Category 2 narcotics). Also found were one homemade rifle, four 7.62 mm cartridge casings, and one mobile phone.
Most recently, at 11:45 a.m., Major General Satit Waiyanont, Commander of the Pha Muang Task Force and Director of the Task Force’s Drug Suppression Operations Center, assigned Colonel Meechai Nilsat, Deputy Commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, to represent him alongside ranger troops from the Third Army, Pha Muang Task Force, Mae Ai District officials, local administrative officers, Border Patrol Police Unit 334, Youth Volunteer Unit 35, Mae Ai Police Station investigation team, local military and police, medical staff, and prosecutors to hold a press conference regarding the seized drugs. Subsequently, all evidence was handed over to Mae Ai Police Station for legal action.
