NAKHON RATCHASIMA — A suspected drug trafficker was shot dead during a gunfight with police following a narcotics sting operation in Nakhon Ratchasima late on 1 July 2026, authorities said.
The incident occurred at 23:55 near an overpass on Highway 290 at its intersection with Highway 205 in Mueang district.
According to police, investigators from Chor Hor Police Station had arranged an undercover operation after receiving intelligence about a methamphetamine delivery at the location.
Police said officers moved in to block two suspect vehicles after they stopped by the roadside. One of the vehicles allegedly attempted to break through the blockade, and gunfire was fired from inside the vehicle toward officers. Police returned fire while using their vehicles to prevent the suspects from escaping.
After the exchange of gunfire, officers found Patthan Nitthinanya, 45, critically wounded in a pickup truck. He was taken to Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, where he later died.
Police said they recovered a 9mm handgun, 200 methamphetamine pills and two bags of crystal methamphetamine from the vehicle.
An 18-year-old woman, identified as Lalita Yangnontad, was detained after allegedly arriving in a separate car to collect the drugs. She remains in police custody for further questioning as investigators seek to identify other members of the network.
Police said the deceased suspect had previously served a lengthy prison sentence for drug trafficking and had been under surveillance for allegedly transporting methamphetamine from Pathum Thani to customers in central and northeastern Thailand.
Authorities said the use of lethal force occurred after the suspect allegedly opened fire on officers while attempting to flee. The circumstances surrounding the shooting will be investigated in accordance with standard procedures.
