One armed drug suspect still on the run in Nan

“But we believe he’s injured and police should be able to track him down soon,” Major General Chainarong Klaewkla, the chief of the 38th Military Circle, said yesterday.

More than 400 officials, half of them police and soldiers, took part in efforts to track down this gang on Friday.

This gang, led by Wen Kuan Chao, opened fire on security personnel during a drug bust at Huai Labaoya village in Nan province on Thursday night. 

The ambush attack and ensuing exchange of gunfire injured six soldiers and five policemen. Two of the victims, including the circle’s chief-of-staff Colonel Settapon Kettem, sustained serious injuries.

At 5am on Friday, relevant authorities mobilised personnel and launched operations to nail down the gang. Gang members then clashed with officials at 10.30am and again at 1.15pm. During the last exchange of gunfire, Wen was gunned down and three soldiers injured. 

According to authorities, Settapon’s team discovered methamphetamines and unlicensed guns in Wen’s house at Huai Labaoya village. 

Chainarong said officials had already talked to residents in Huai Labaoya – a largely tribal village – in a bid to create mutual understanding. 

“Locals understand us. Most residents are kind villagers. Only a few have engaged in the drug trade,” he added.