EIGHT suspected drug smugglers were killed in a shoot-out with the army border patrol in Mae Fah Luang, in the northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand, today.

A total of 4.5 million methamphetamine pills were also seized following the gunfight.

In the incident at about 1.30am (local time) today, Pha Muang Task Force commander Suparoek Sathapornphon said soldiers patrolling along the border spotted 10 men carrying bags in the forest.

The soldiers signalled the men to stop for a search but the latter opened in an attempt to escape, he added.

“The soldiers returned fire and the shoot-out lasted about 10 minutes. After the situation came under control, the soldiers carried out an inspection and found eight bodies at the scene.

“Besides that, 45 bags containing about 4.5 million methamphetamine pills were also found scattered in the forest.”

The suspected drug smugglers’ identities remain unknown as they did not carry any identification document. – Bernama, April 30, 2022.