Two men were arrested with 40,000 methamphetamine pills in their possession after a clash with police and soldiers on a highway in Vajira Barami district of Phichit province early Friday.
Col Chaidet Surawadi, deputy commander of the Phetchabun peace-keeping force operating in Phichit, said army and border-patrol police laid in wait in Vajira Barami after obtaining information that a large amount of drugs would be delivered on Highway 117 to clients in Phichit from Suphan Buri province.
When a Nakhon Pathom-registered pickup truck matching the description in the tip was spotted heading north toward Phichit, authorities ordered it to stop it for a search. But the vehicle sped away in heavy traffic.
One of two men in the vehicle opened fire, prompting the authorities to return fire and give chase.
The pickup truck was finally forced to stop between kilometre markers 93 and 94 in tambon Wang Mok. The two men, identified as driver Somphot Sripoempoon, 32, and Ponphan Supakijkosol, 40, were taken into custody.
Mr Ponpha, who allegedly exchanged fire with the authorities, was seriously wounded after being shot in the right shoulder. He was later admitted to Phichit Hospital.
A fertiliser bag containing 40,000 methamphetamine pills was found in the vehicle.