Armed forces personnel killed, 4 drug smugglers arrested in gunfire exchanges

Some military personnel were killed and injured, and four drug smugglers were arrested during exchanges of gunfire in Bokeo province on May 3.
The incident happened as border guards in Paktha district were conducting a routine patrol in the Phouphamon Mountain area near the Lao-Thai border. A drug smuggling gang fired gunshots at the guards, who returned fire, according to the Lao People’s Army’s news.
Following the exchange, the provincial border-guard military unit teamed up with local authorities and were able to bring the situation under control and restore security to the area.
Four alleged perpetrators were arrested and some military personnel were injured and killed.
The tragedy undermined security in the district and caused great concern among people living in the area and across the country.
Initial investigations suggest that the gang were using the area as a transit route for the smuggling of drugs between Laos and Thailand, the news said.
Authorities in charge are in the process of tracking down the ringleaders of the gang with the aim of bringing them to justice.
Members of the public have been advised by authorities to follow developments in the case through official state media and to be on the alert for fake news that could trigger panic and undermine social order.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 8, 2025)