CHIANG MAI, Jan 30 – Three suspected drug traders were killed in a clash with Thai army rangers at the Thai-Myanmar border in the northern province of Chiang Mai.
Ritthipong Techaphan, deputy Chiang Mai governor, said that he was told of the clash in Mae Ai district at about 7am Monday.
Col Pairote Yawincharn led the Pa Muang Task Force to patrol Doi Samsao at the Thai-Myanmar border in order to stem drug smuggling from the neighbouring country into Thailand.
While on patrol, they met about ten suspected drug smugglers who were armed. After the ten-minute clash, they retreated and the authorities found three people dead with M-16 assault rifles lying near the bodies.
Five kilogrammes heroin were found in a rucksack at the scene.
