Police from Mae Chan Police Station conducted a tense standoff lasting over three hours with a major drug dealer who fired at officers before fleeing and hiding in a local resident's bathroom nearby, causing alarm in the community.
On 12 May 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported a tense incident in Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai Province. Under the direction of Pol. Maj. Gen. Manop Senakul, Commander of Chiang Rai Provincial Police, and Pol. Col. Kiattisak Jitprasarn, Chief of Mae Chan Police Station, the investigative team 'Night Wolves' conducted a sting operation to arrest Mr. Aja Kala, 54, a major drug dealer in Ban Kao Lang, Village 10, Pa Sang Subdistrict, Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai.
The suspect drew a firearm and fired to clear his path before fleeing and hiding inside a local resident's home in the area, where elderly people and children lived, causing significant alarm among the residents.
After the incident, police joined forces with the 191 patrol unit and other related agencies to surround the area, applying pressure and quickly pursuing the suspect while exercising extreme caution to ensure the safety of local residents.
Mr. Praphan Kala, 32, the homeowner where the suspect hid, told reporters with visible anxiety that he was away on an errand when he learned that the suspect had entered his house. He rushed home in panic, trembling, as the house was occupied by three people: his mother, 64; his mother's elder sister, 70; and his 1 year 5 month old nephew — all elderly and young children unable to protect themselves.
:""When I arrived, I saw the suspect hiding in the outdoor bathroom holding a gun the entire time. According to family members, the suspect initially ran toward the back of the house attempting to escape by jumping over a wall, but the wall was too high, so he retreated and hid in the bathroom instead. Fortunately, during the chaos, my mother and relatives reacted quickly, retreating into the main house and locking doors and windows securely, preventing the suspect from getting close to those inside.":"
During the standoff, authorities brought in the suspect’s wife and son to negotiate and reduce tension. Mr. Aja was highly stressed and pleaded with officers not to use lethal force or harm him.
Reports also state that before surrendering, the suspect requested to use drugs (heroin) one last time before dropping his weapon and raising his hands for officers to take him into custody. The entire operation lasted over three hours until Mr. Aja surrendered.
At the scene, police found evidence of drugs—methamphetamine pills and white powder—that the suspect discarded while fleeing. Authorities have detained him for investigation at Mae Chan Police Station to proceed with legal action. Meanwhile, Mr. Praphan’s family expressed relief that no one was injured in the frightening incident.
