This is the dramatic moment police fired at suspected drug dealers allegedly fleeing arrest in Thailand.

Police arranged a sting operation in Yasothon province on May 11, hoping to catch the men in the act of selling contraband. However, the wary suspects sensed something amiss and quickly drove into neighbouring Si Sa Ket province while trying to throw off their pursuers.

Footage shows the alleged drug dealers inside their pickup truck barreling through traffic after seeing officers waiting for them at the Sun Haeng Plaza intersection. Unfazed by shots being fired at them, they fled the scene while ramming into civilian vehicles and police cars as they scrambled to evade capture.

The police gave chase and followed the alleged criminals into Nong Yang Village. They found the pickup truck empty and parked next to nearby woodland. Despite being surrounded, the suspects resisted arrest by shooting at the officers, but they were finally collared after a brief skirmish.

Officers named them as Aekkachon Dawreung, 35, and Thirawat Lhathom, 27. They also confiscated two guns and dozens of ammunition rounds. The men are now remanded in police custody while charges are being prepared against them.