30-5-2024 (BANGKOK) After a seven-month manhunt spanning multiple countries, fugitive Thai inmate Chaowalit Thongduang, alias “Sia Paeng Nanod,” has been apprehended in Indonesia, bringing an end to his brazen attempt to evade justice. The arrest, confirmed by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Thursday, was made possible through collaborative efforts between Thai authorities and their Indonesian counterparts.
The Prime Minister’s revelation came during a briefing at Government House, where he was updated on the successful operation by Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. While specific details of the capture were scarce, Srettha acknowledged the crucial role played by the Royal Thai Police, the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs, and the cooperation extended by Indonesian authorities in facilitating the arrest.
The 37-year-old convict, who was serving time for attempted murder and facing multiple other criminal charges, including murder and firearms possession, had been on the run since October 22, 2022. On that fateful day, Chaowalit managed to flee from Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital, where he had been taken for dental treatment, sparking a nationwide manhunt.
Despite a massive deployment of resources and a concerted effort by law enforcement agencies, Chaowalit remained elusive. Initial reports suggested that he had sought refuge in the Banthad mountain range in Trang province, leading to a shootout with police on November 8. However, the fugitive once again evaded capture, disappearing into the rugged terrain straddling Phatthalung, Trang, and Satun provinces.
While on the run, Chaowalit released a series of brazen videos in which he claimed to have been treated unfairly by the justice system. He alleged that he was the only person sentenced for his crimes, despite numerous other suspects being involved, and accused authorities of mishandling his appeal for bail in a pending murder case.
The Ministry of Justice swiftly rejected these claims, citing Chaowalit’s extensive criminal record as justification for the legal proceedings against him.
On December 25, 2022, Chaowalit was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment for attempted murder. The conviction stemmed from a shooting incident at a restaurant in Muang district of Phatthalung on September 9, 2019, where he was charged with colluding with four others to attempt the murder of a court assistant. All five individuals involved were handed life sentences.
The successful apprehension of Chaowalit in Indonesia serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies across borders. It underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational crime and ensuring that fugitives from justice are brought to account for their actions, regardless of their attempts to evade capture.
