Police have launched a manhunt for a drug suspect wanted on suspicion of killing a police officer and injuring two others during a two-hour gunfight in Phatthalung.
A special task force led by Central Investigation Bureau commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, was searching for the suspect, identified as Jamras Rakchan, alias Chui Khaochan, following the incident on Wednesday evening, a Royal Thai Police spokesman said.
The gunfight erupted when Crime Suppression and Phatthalung Provincial Police tried to arrest Mr Jamras and other members of a narcotics gang.
It resulted in a car chase and a gunfight at Ban Tha Nang Phrom Intersection in tambon Khok Muang of Khao Chaison district.
Police killed 47-year-old gang member, Watchara Ratanasuwan, and injured two others but Mr Jamras fled the scene. Pol Snr Sgt Maj Anan Meesaeng died after being shot in the head. Two other officers were wounded.