Chiang Rai – Narcotics suppression police from Division 3 surrounded and arrested a drug suspect. The suspect opened fire with a shotgun in resistance while holding a grenade to throw, but the grenade exploded prematurely, killing him. One police officer was injured.
At about 07:00 on 18 August 2026, narcotics suppression police from Fang unit, Division 2, Narcotics Suppression Bureau 3, coordinated with soldiers from the 35th Ranger Battalion and the Pha Muang Task Force’s Katroi Company to surround and search a house in Moo 9, Huay Chomphu Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province.
The operation was conducted under a court search warrant dated 17 August 2026 to arrest a suspect, Mr. Silachai Prangphairngam, wanted in a criminal drug case by the criminal court.
During the early morning search, officers found an unidentified man at the house who resisted the operation. The man held a shotgun slung over his right arm and a grenade with the pin removed in his left hand, ready to use. He fired at officers and attempted to fight back.
An explosion then occurred in front of the house, killing the man instantly at the scene. He is believed to be Mr. Weeraphan, who has an outstanding drug warrant from Chiang Rai court; however, his identity has not yet been confirmed. Forensic and relevant authorities are inspecting the scene to officially verify his identity.
The incident also injured Lieutenant Pongsak Klangthaisong, a police officer involved in the operation, who sustained shrapnel wounds to his left arm and is currently receiving treatment at Fang Hospital.
Authorities secured the area and coordinated with forensic and related agencies to conduct a thorough investigation of the scene to proceed with legal actions.
This operation is part of the Royal Thai Police’s measures to intercept drug trafficking from border areas into the interior, including dismantling drug storage sites and arresting drug networks in the region.
Officials are continuing to verify further facts, confirm the identity of the deceased, and collect evidence to proceed with legal actions accordingly.