Wildlife rangers clashed with suspected poachers in a fierce forest gunfight in northern Thailand.

Officers patrolled the Doi Pha Chang Wildlife Sanctuary following a tip-off about illegal hunters in the area.

They camped overnight before spotting two men riding out of the forest on motorcycles on Tuesday.

Footage shows them chasing Wasan Suradetmana, 31, and Niwat Saesong, 21, who tried to flee through a nearby cornfield. They were found with shotguns, ammunition, and walkie-talkies.

The men allegedly admitted they had entered the sanctuary to shoot wild boars.

But as rangers began escorting the pair from the scene, a group of around eight armed men on motorcycles reportedly ambushed them, firing shots in an apparent attempt to free their captured companions.

The gunfight lasted for 30 minutes before the alleged poachers retreated into the forest. Four motorcycles were recovered from the scene, while two more were left in the forest, where intermittent gunfire was heard.

Ranger chief Santiboon Jaikham, who led the arrest, said: 'The operation aims to protect natural resources from poaching gangs still active around the western mountains of Phayao.

'After the incident, we handed the suspects and seized items over to the Pong Police Station for further legal action.'

He said Wasan and Niwat were charged with entering a wildlife sanctuary without permission and possessing firearms and ammunition without a licence.

Thailand is a major hub for illegal wildlife trafficking in Southeast Asia. Authorities have stepped up anti-poaching policies in recent years, but corruption and the country's porous borders continue to undermine efforts.