Thai authorities kill 7 drug suspects near border

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BANGKOK – Thai security forces have killed seven alleged drug smugglers from Myanmar in a gunbattle near the border. It is one of the deadliest drug-related incidents reported in Thailand this year.

Police Major Genera Surachet Thopunyanon said investigators had been following a drug gang for several days when members were caught crossing the border on foot Monday morning in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province. He said the suspects refused to stop and a shootout ensued in which seven were killed.

He said police seized 520,000 methamphetamine pills and 70 kilograms (154 pounds) of crystal meth.

Police are still hunting for other suspects who escaped the scene, about 733 kilometers (455 miles) north of Bangkok.