A high-speed police chase ended in a dramatic crash when a suspected drug smuggler rammed into police cars in Thailand.

Police pursued Amaret Chasaengbong, 34, from Bueng Kan to Khon Kaen province following reports he had been smuggling drugs in the northeastern region.

Driving a black Honda Civic, Amaret allegedly tried to evade arrest by tossing items onto the road before speeding toward a bus terminal, where he was trapped in a dead end.

Footage shows residents being shocked by a loud bang when Amaret reversed, smashing into two police pickup trucks. However, he was soon cornered by the other officers.

Police Sergeant Major Natthakorn Nueangmatcha, 36, was injured in the collision.

Police Major General Kittisak Plathong, commander of Border Patrol Police Region 2, said: 'From the inspection inside the suspect's vehicle, we found 42,000 methamphetamine pills, four packets of happy water, and two mobile phones.

‘We charged him with distributing Category I narcotics (methamphetamine) with the intent to sell, thereby spreading them among the public.

‘We handed him and the seized items over to Kranuan Police Station for further legal action and to expand the investigation into his accomplices and the drug trafficking network involved.'

Residents said they were jolted awake by screeching tyres followed by a violent crash. When they rushed outside, they saw a black sedan surrounded by police trucks.

Meth is classified as a category 1 substance in Thailand.

Under Thai law, using category 1 substances may be punished with up to three years in jail and a fine of up to 60,000 baht, while possession carries a fine of up to 200,000 baht and up to 10 years imprisonment.

Those convicted of dealing may face life imprisonment and a five million baht fine, depending on the amount involved. Producers, importers, and exporters of Category 1 substances face the same charges and may face the death penalty if it is proven their intent was to sell or distribute on a large scale.