CHIANG MAI: A police officer was killed and another wounded by gunshots from a fleeing drug suspect in Chiang Dao district of this northern province on Thursday night.
A combined team of police, soldiers and local officials surrounded the house of the male suspect in Jiachan village, Moo 13, in tambon Mang Na at about 9.30pm. However, he fled through back of the house.
While fleeing, the suspect encountered another police team and immediately fired shots, killing one officer on the spot and slightly injuring another. The dead officer was Pol Cpl Saranyu Singkham, attached to Nawai police station. The injured was Pol Capt Jeeraphon Wangsaeng.
A manhunt is underway for the suspect.
Police identified the suspect as Jai Jakam, a hill tribe man from Chiang Mai's Fang district. He had an arrest warrant issued by the Chiang Dao Kwaeng court.
A woman, identified only as Napapi, believed to be Mr Jai's wife, was arrested.
A non-Thai identification card of Jai Jakam. (Photo supplied)